The president and prophet of my church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, passed away last night. Here is the story from the church's newsroom. http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/
It is a sad day for members of the church, but I'm sure it is a happy day for him. His wife, Marjorie Pay Hinckley, had passed away 4 years ago and he missed her dearly. They are now reunited.
President Gordon B. Hinckley holds a special place in my heart. First of all, he is the only prophet I have ever known as a member of the church. I was baptized in 1996, the year after he was called. The second reason is very personal, and I won't go into details, but he was at the dedication of the Billings, Montana temple, which I was also able to attend. That day, I gained a personal testimony that he was, indeed, a prophet of God.
I love that he was always, always kind. Even when talking about challenges the members were having that needed to be improved, he taught in a loving way, never chastising. He was funny and witty and gentle and kind. Even though I didn't know him personally, I loved him.
And I will miss him.
4 comments:
President Hinckley was also "my prophet"...the one president of the church that I really came to know and love so much as I developed my testimony of this gospel. I was surprised to learn that his wife actually passed away nearly 4 years ago. It hasn't seemed like that much time has gone by, but I am happy that his earthly mission is complete and he can be with her again. I am also excited to see the progression of our leaders take place, but I will miss President Hinckley very much. I wish my children could have known him as I have had the privilege.
Hi Robin,
Thanks for the correction. I couldn't remember when so I just wrote last year planning to check before I posted, and then I forgot. I changed my post to reflect the correct amount of time.
I hadn't thought about my children not having the same experience yet, but now that you mention it, that will be quite sad that they will never know him in the same way that I do. Thanks for the comment.
I remember thinking the same thing about President Kimball, who was "my prophet" growing up.
Both wonderful, humble men. And the next one will also be special in his way...
hi sheyenne, i stumbled on your blog and wanted to out my lurking ways.
i was baptized in 1993, and i feel the same as you about President Hinckley, he was the first prophet that i saw talk in General Conference, and he and his wife were such youthful and vibrant people. He will definitely be missed, but what a homecoming he must have had.
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