This evening I was planning on writing a post about my trip to Chicago that I took earlier this week. I got out my computer and turned it on and was reading my google reader before writing my blog and just as I was getting ready to come here and write my blog, Bryan was flipping through channels and just as we reached channel 5, (KSL) they cut from the program for breaking news. Having journalism in my background, I was curious what their news was and I looked up. As the news announcer began into the news I read the headline at the bottom of my screen and instantly my jaw dropped and an audible gasp left my mouth, “President Gordon B. Hinckley dies at 97.”
As I listened to the rest of the news about the circumstances of President Hinckley’s death so many emotions went through my mind. I was shocked, confused, sad, and finally, peace. Tears filled my eyes as I thought about the many things I have learned from our loving prophet and the Spirit and peace I felt as he spoke.
President Hinckley was ordained and set apart as the prophet in 1995 when I was in the 5th grade and is the prophet I remember the most. I am so thankful for the wonderful example he set for me through my teenage years. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to live in a place where I could hear the voice of this wonderful man so often and even had the opportunity to attend conference and be so near to him and his Spirit. I have been blessed to hear his words from the pulpit at BYU-Idaho and read his council in the Ensign each month. I know that President Hinckley was a true living prophet of the Lord. He was called of God and was here to carry out the Lord’s plan for us.
This evening as I think about what will come next for The Church, I find peace in knowing that the keys that President Hinckley held are not lost. I know that the Lord has set in place a perfect system that will bring forth the new President of the Church from the 14 men that lead our Church. (Also, a thanks to my “Teachings of the Latter-day Prophets” class at BYU-I for explaining the process and what happens.) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church of God and the Lord will continue to lead and guide it on this earth.
I will never forget the things I have learned from President Hinckley and never forget his Spirit.
One Response to “Remembering a Great Man — President Hinckley”
Katie, I have been meaning to come find your blog and I finally did today. I am so glad. I was thinking about posting about Pres. Hinckley, but I wasn’t sure what to say. But you said it just right. Thanks for putting my thoughts into words. (Obviously they are YOUR thoughts, but mine too). And I like your blog. I should have found it sooner.