Monday, January 28, 2008

Pres. Hinckley

I couldn't help but lay there last night in bed feeling so incredibly sad! I am in awe that there are billions of people in the world who really have no idea that the most important man on the entire earth had just passed. What a void all these people have in their lives not knowing that God still speaks to man through a prophet! The one man closest to God and our Savior has just left the earth to meet his dear wife and loved ones.

I know many feel a personal connection to Pres. Hinckley -- as I did. He and I shared the same birthday (though obviously many years apart). I think many of my testimony building years have been during his great service as a prophet and counselor. I remember when Pres. Benson died and feeling so sad about that also! I was speaking on the phone to Brent Ulfers that night and he just couldn't understand why I was so moved by the death of someone I really didn't know. What he didn't understand is that our prophets are God's mouthpiece. Watching them, listening to them, and following them is following Him-- our Heavenly Father. It's a feeling of knowing the Savior and realizing how much he really cares for us. How blessed we all are to know we are His children.

5 comments:

Mike and Adrianne said...

I am also sad that he is dead now but I was just thinking last night about what a wonderful release that must be. I just imagine that he was overwhelmed at times and lonely when his wife died and I can't imagine the burden that he had placed on his shoulders as the prophet. I too loved President Hinckley. It is funny but I can't imagine President Monson as the prophet. I'm sure when he is ordained and set apart that it will feel natural to me but I'm so used to President Hinckley. Also, I was thinking about how each prophet seems to be reserved for a certain issue in the church. President Hinckley seemed to be about temples and church expansion and publicity. I wonder what President Monson will be about. Maybe welfare and caring for the elderly? Anyway, next General Conference will be interesting.

Jason said...

After hearing the news of Pres. Hinckley's death, I, too, was deeply saddened. Not for him but for us. Harold B. Lee was the prophet when I was born and I grew up listening to the gravely words of Pres. Kimball. I was a freshman in HS when he died. Pres. Benson had a great affect on my life as he was the prophet during my late teenage years and early 20's. I was saddened by both his and President Hunter's deaths but I think that Pres. Hinckley's death has been more disheartening than any of the others. My first thought last night after feeling sorry for myself, was to reflect on how deservedly happy he must be to be in the presence of the Savior and to see his wife again. What a wonderful man! We have been so blessed to have been guided by him for so many years. I am looking forward to sustaining President Monson as our new prophet and to continue being lead by him.

Lokodi said...

I didn't hear about the news until early this morning when a friend called me to tell me she was the bearer of bad news. As soon as I heard it, the first thought that came to my mind was, "oh, that's so wonderful that he gets to be reunited with his wife!" of course, then sorrow and sadness kicked in. I was surprised at my first response though. That happiness was the first response, not the second. Maybe it's because I always felt sorrow for him every time I looked at him after his wife passed away. He has always been the ideal example of what a loving husband should be.
I am extremely excited for pres. Monson to be the next prophet. Does anyone know how that all works anyway? When do they call him to be the next prophet? At the upcoming General Conference? I would think it would be sooner than that though. Please fill me in.

Lindsey

Lokodi said...

I think it's not too long after Pres Hinckley's funeral.

Papa Doc said...

For many of you, Pres. Hinckley has been the prophet for the majority of your lives and so you would perhaps feel a deeper sense of loss than I did. I was sad for us but very happy for him. He performed our marriage and Jim and I looked back on that service last night and realized that the only real thing I could remember about his counsel to us that morning was this: "Sister Clark, always use soft tones in the home." Uh....I didn't do so well. So now I might have to face him when I die and report. Jim keeps telling me there's time to change. I don't yell so much now, but then most of you are gone now, too. Maybe that's not a fair test.
I grew up with Pres. McKay as my hero -- he looked the part of a prophet with his thick head of beautiful white hair. But the saddest time when a prophet died for me was when Pres. Kimball passed away. I sobbed and sobbed. I think I was more touched by his humility, his courage, his tenacity, and his endurance to the end than any of the other prophets. I loved his sweet, sweet spirit and was very much moved by his guidance as I tried to guide my own children. I guess we all have those experiences with different prophets, bishops and other leaders.
Just think about how nice it would be to be Pres. Hinckley about now -- wow! I'm sure he has already met with Joseph Smith and all the rest. What company!
Mom