President Hinckley

[natickgirl]

In case you haven't heard, President Gordon B. Hinckley, president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, passed away Sunday evening. He was 97 years old. Here is an article about it: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

He was truly a wonderful leader and a great man by anyone's standards.
A few years ago I was able to attend the LDS Relief Society general broadcast in the Conference Center. Everyone was milling around waiting for the conference to begin, when suddenly a hush fell over us. I looked to see what it was. President Hinckley had entered the room. We all stood up to honor him. At the end of the conference, we stood up again as he left the room. He paused to smile & waive his little white hankerchief. At that moment, I felt like an electric currant ran through me; I really felt his love and the power of his spirit. He touched so many lives with his love and humor. I will miss him.

[Erudite]

A member of the Mormon Tabernacle choir lives in our ward. He was at the recent Capitol Building dedication in SLC. He said that many dignitaries came: the governor, members of the cabinet, etc. They were kindly greeted and ushered to their seats. But when President Hinckley came in, all quieted and stood while he took his seat. A public, governmental event and still, the most important person is President Hinckley.

I too will miss him. I will remember that he always thought we could be better than we are, that we could "stand a little taller." I will remember that he looked for our hearts to be changed and touched by the gospel and he knew that we would stand a little taller when that happened. I will remembered his sweet sense of humor and his gentle prodding. I will remember to BE prayerful, clean, true, grateful, humble, and smart, because he taught it everyday by the way he lived and was himself. A great man and prophet of God has passed from among us. God bless you till we meet again, President Hinckley!

[5ft Diva]

I'm so glad you started a thread about this, NG. It is hard to read these comments w/o feeling deep emotion. My family and I will miss him, too. When I heard the news last night I wanted to talk to someone about it and a friend called and we were able to kind of process what had happened as it was a shock. Even though I have known his time was drawing close it didn't make it any easier to accept his passing. His kind and gentle influence will be missed.

On a more positive note, I am so happy for him to be reunited with his wife. You knew he missed her and loved her dearly and one can only imagine the reunion that must have taken place not just with his wife, but with dear collegues as well that have gone on since he's continued to serve in the church - not to mention - a meeting w/ those who have pioneered this great work on the earth. One could only have wished to be a bystander at that great event! I am so grateful for my knowledge of the Plan of Salvation!

[runamyrun]

I am sad but happy at the same time. President Hinckley was my favorite prophet. I loved how down to earth he was and that he had such a great sense of humor. I also loved that when he spoke, I never felt like he was chastising us, I just felt a strong desire to become a better person. I will miss him, but I know he is happy seeing his wife and other loved ones.

[Meticulous madness]

What an amazing and wonderful man!!! His passing definitely leaves a bitter-sweet feeling amongst us all.

I have absolutely loved watching the specials on his life, his mission experiences, travel experiences, temple dedications, his testimony, his public interviews and his responses to events like 9-11. I am just in awe of him and his long (but short) life of service on this earth.

It was such a strange feeling to listen to the statement [of his passing] from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as presented by the media - and know that this "statement from the church" did not come from (and/or was not authorized by) President Hinckley himself. I don't know why it struck me as such a strange and sad thing, but it did.

Who makes the statements from the church anyway? I guess I've never really thought about it.

Anyway, thanks for starting this thread, NG, and giving us a chance to share our feelings about such an incredible prophet and man.

[smed]

DITO! To what everyone else has said. I too will miss him but am happy for him. 5D my thoughts also went to not just him seeing his beloved wife but to thouse that have passed before him like Joseph Smith, what a great and wonderful meeting that must be. And to be reunited with our savior! WOW!!

[5ft Diva]

I agree!

[teeny]

I too am sad at his passing, but also like others have said, so happy that he was reunited with his wife. His relationship with his wife has always really touched me. I remember the conference after she died, he was talking about her and saying how much he missed her and he said talking about before they were married something like "She was the girl of my dreams" and speaking of after she died he said "She is again the girl of my dreams" It just made me bawl! He loved her so much. So, I'm very happy that they're together again. Another thing about his passing is that when I told my 5 year old daughter, she just started crying and it really surprised me. I didn't realize that at 5 years old my daughter already had a love for her prophet. I was really touched.

[5ft Diva]

I can see your daughter being touched by his passing. That is a precious moment...record it in her baby book!

[5ft Diva]

Smed sent this to me in an e-mail and I just had to post it. I love it!

Ward in Oregon,
a RS Sisters wrote it--on Sunday evening.


Prophetic Passing

I imagine he's running to Marjorie now,
Yes, running, not waving his cane.
I see him embracing his father and mother
While they keep repeating his name.

I see him now meeting his fore bearers,
Brother Brigham and Joseph are there.
Sweet reunion of prophets, united by service
That only such noble men share.

I see him embraced by the Savior
While Father says, "Good and well done.
So faithful in stalwart endurance, I welcome
My noble, most excellent son."

I then hear the ripples of laughter
As he says the reception's just fine,
But he hopes that he'll get an assignment or two
Since there's no need to waste any time.

I can hear his clear voice in the stillness
At the close of this sweet Sabbath day,
Have faith and move forward — there's work to be done.
President Hinckley would want it that way.

Anna M. Molgard
January 27, 2008