On January 27th, the beloved prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Gordon B. Hinckley, passed away at the age of 97. He was loved and adored by millions of people around the world for his goodness, integrity, sense of humor and his love for all people. I know for me personally he has taught me how to be a better person in all aspects of my life.
First he has taught me the meaning of service.
I read an article in the Salt Lake Tribune about the service that Pres. Hinckley gave to those around him. I loved the part in this article when it talked about Pres. Hinckley's concern for the homeless in SLC and his many contributions to help them. Here he was, a man that has a very heavy load of responsibility, plus his concern for his dying wife, and he is thinking of others less fortunate than himself. He truly had charity for all men, which is the greatest attribute that we can ask for. He was filled with the pure love of Christ and he expressed it through every word, action and deed that he performed.
Second, he has taught me the meaning of love.
In a world that has false and corrupt definitions of love, President Hinckley showed that love wasn't meant to be a one-night fling, or a contract that could be easily broken when a disagreement arises. He showed that love was something that required work, patience, endurance and trust. After his wife, Marjorie, passed away in 2004, I read her biography, "Glimpses" and my love for them as a couple grew. The respect that both showed each other was incredible.
In a world, where marriage is being broken apart and there are women that criticize and degrade men constantly and men that disrespect their wives through abuse and neglect, he showed a different way to live, a better way to live. President and Sister Hinckley demonstrated to all people that love in marriage can last. I'm not saying that their marriage was perfect, I'm sure it wasn't, because people aren't perfect, but they worked hard, endured and respected one another. I love this talk given by President Hinckley shortly after the passing of his wife of 67 years.
In this talk, he doesn't say that he controlled his wife or neglected her, but he knew the divinity of his wife's nature and embraced her divinity with love and respect. He says:
"The women in our lives are creatures endowed with particular qualities, divine qualities, which cause them to reach out in kindness and with love to those about them. We can encourage that outreach if we will give them opportunity to give expression to the talents and impulses that lie within them. In our old age my beloved companion said to me quietly one evening, “You have always given me wings to fly, and I have loved you for it.”
Sister Hinckley adored her husband and she respected and supported him all the days of her life. This is what Pres. and Sister Hinckley have taught me about love.
and Third, he has taught me about humor and optimism:
I am an optimistic person by nature, but there are times for all people, including myself, where you can feel a little blue. But President Hinckley was always a great example of pushing through life's struggles with a smile. I loved when he would wave his cane or make a humorous remark. He said:
"I have little doubt that many of us are troubled with fears concerning ourselves. We are in a period of stress across the world. There are occasionally hard days for each of us. Do not despair. Do not give up. Look for the sunlight through the clouds. Opportunities will eventually open to you. Do not let the prophets of gloom endanger your possibilities (from Ensign, Apr. 1986, 4–5).
The Lord has said: “Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made” (D&C 25:13).
" I believe He is saying to each of us, be happy. The gospel is a thing of joy. It provides us with a reason for gladness. Of course there are times of sorrow. Of course there are hours of concern and anxiety. We all worry. But the Lord has told us to lift our hearts and rejoice. I see so many people … who seem never to see the sunshine, but who constantly walk with storms under cloudy skies. Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine." (President Gordon B. Hinckley)
The list could go on with the attributes and principles that I learned from President Hinckley, but I don't think this blog could hold all of my great feelings about him, there wouldn't be any room. :) I just want to close with a personal testimony.
I know that Gordon B. Hinckley was and is a prophet of God. He holds the keys of the Priesthood of God and Jesus Christ which gives him the authority and power to act in God's name. He is a good man and a true example of Jesus Christ. I had the opportunity three years ago to meet him and talk with him and shake his hand. I can honestly say that I know that He loves the Lord because I felt his testimony of the Lord as I spoke with him and I have felt of his love and testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as he has spoken in other occasions as well. I love Him and I will miss him, but I know that he is home with our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ. He is with his beloved wife, Marjorie, and will be forever. I believe that he is still serving with all his might to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but with an added measure of strength because he is free of sickness and pain and no longer is in this world of filth and corruption. He is home, where one day I pray I can return as well. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ that teaches the blessed Plan of Salvation. It is only through Jesus Christ's Atonement that we can return home to our Father in Heaven. I love my Savior, I know He is My Savior and my Advocate with the Father. I am a daughter of God. We are all literal children of God and God is our literal Father. For this knowledge, I am forever grateful.
