Well as many of you know, the prophet of my church and many of yours of course, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, has passed away today. Gordon B Hinckley at 97 years old, passed away today from "cancer complications, and old age". I feel an overwhelming feeling of sadness but more so a desire to share my testimony of the truthfulness of my church. First I will start by sharing my thoughts on this death though. I have been feeling for years now that it's an inevitable thing that was going to happen. I have had this amazing love for our Prophet for as long as I can remember. My hubby and I call it a "crush" but I think that's far exaggerating the case just for fun! I think he is the wittiest, funniest, most tell it like it is and righteous man I've ever known of. He is so cute too!! His legacy will no doubt forever live on. It's at this moment that I feel like I don't want to accept the reality that he's no longer going to be speaking to us and giving us council from the Lord. I know that we will continue to have council from the Lord through our next prophet, but it's hard to accept that his delightful face and sweet humor is going to end here - today! I can say that there are no feelings of remorse or sadness for any people involved... though it's going to be a big adjustment for all of us and no doubt especially for those that were closest with him, I feel that they are only going to have happiness for him that he is no longer experiencing this earth and he will rejoin his wonderful wife Marjorie now. One of my very most favorite quotes from President Hinckley is actually on the topic of death itself... it starts with a scripture....
A Better Life Consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. -Mosiah 2:41
"What a wonderful thing is death, really, when all is said and done. It is the great reliever. It is a majestic, quiet passing on from this life to another life, a better life. We go to a place where we will not suffer as we have suffered here, but where we will continue to grow, accumulating knowledge and developing and being useful under the plan of the Almighty made possible through the atonement of the Son of God." - Gordon B Hinckley.
Though I have never had anyone REALLY close to me die, I have turned to this quote many times for comfort. Because he talks about the whole picture which I think is very important for us to remember. It's similar to the fact that I don't live near my family at this time. Although I'm not with them now, I'm frequently reminded by my Dad that this is only but a minute, compared to the Eternity that we will have together. And of course, that's the same point that President Hinckley is making in this quote essentially. I think looking at the big picture every single day in our lives can help us to become better people but also help us to overcome the day to day trials and tribulations that we face. Though he is no longer with us on this earth, the Life and Legacy of President Hinckley will forever live on in my heart and the hearts of billions of people across the world. This man has done so much good for this world. So much good that has gone unnoticed really. The outside world doesn't quite know and understand how much service and self that he gave to every corner of this world. I just think it's something to recognize especially at this time of his loss.
I know without a doubt that Gordon B Hinckley was the true Prophet of the Lord and that his council was given us through him from the Lord. I know that through the organization of our church, our next prophet will also be called of God and will continue to bring us the Lords word and council. I feel so secure knowing that the Lords love is forever unchanging.
Today in relief society, we talked about the blessings we are promised from the Lord. We talked about how we know for sure that the Lord will come through on his end of the deal and it's so great to know that if we just do what he has asked, all those promises are guaranteed to us from the Lord. Now given, the things he asks are not necessarily easy but I believe that the more we keep the commandments, the easier it is to continue to keep the commandments, and the closer we are to the Lord, the easier it is to withstand temptation. Some of the blessings we talked about being promised from the Lord are forgiveness of our sings IF we confess and forsake them. He promises that He will open the windows of heaven, if we pay a faithful tithe. He promises that great treasures of knowledge accrue to those who obey the word of wisdom. The Lord promises that He will give us answers to our prayers if we ask for righteous things and with faith that we should receive what we are asking for. He promises that we will be unspotted from the world if we keep the sabbath day holy. Divine guidance and and inspiration are promised to those who feast upon the words of Christ. The Lord has promised that the Holy Ghost will be our constant companion if we let virtue garnish our thoughts unceasingly. We are promised that we can loose the bands of wickedness, undo our heavy burdens, and break every yoke if we follow the law of the fast. And not last but last of what I'm going to mention, we are promised as members of this church... if we are sealed in holy temples and faithfully keep our covenants, that we will receive Gods glory, which is a "fullness and continuation of the seeds forever.
I just felt it was really exciting to go back and remember those promises that so easily slip our minds in this earthly day to day life. I feel motivated more to do good by discussing these blessings. This discussion was based on the talk in the Nov 2007 ensign of general conference talks. A talk given by Elder Spencer J Condie. If anyone is interested in reading it, I've attached this link... Gen Con Nov 2007 Elder Spencer J Condie
And below here is President Gordon B Hinckleys testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith while visiting the Sacred Grove. It's short but of course sweet. As he is a wonderful, cute and sweet man! (note to self: don't go to Youtube to find videos of Pres Hinckley. You will become depressed at the things you will find- though this video below if from there, it's one of about two that were positive in his favor. Sad sad world. Honestly, I hesitated even saying this because I think it should be ignored, but truthfully I just really am telling you so you are forewarned that there's no good out there.)
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,5143,695247765,00.html <---- this is a news article about his death, if anyone of you didn't get burnt by the wildfire spread of the news. (random analogy)
And below I wanted to list the timeline of his life up to becoming the president of our church... He is a very intelligent and highly educated man....It actually doesn't list his education credentials unforunately, but I'm sure I could find them somewhere. I feel bad I don't know off hand.
1919 Age 8, baptized by his father on 28 April in Salt Lake City
1930 Age 20, his mother dies
1935 Ages 23-25, serves a mission to England
1935 Age 25, hired as executive secretary of the Church Radio, Publicity, and Mission Literature Committee; he works in various capacities for the Church until he is called as an Assistant to the Twelve in 1958
1937 Age 26, marries Marjorie Pay on 29 April; called to serve on the Sunday School General Board
1961 Age 51, ordained an Apostle on 5 October
1982 Age 72, called as a counselor to President Kimball; later called as a counselor to Presidents Benson (1985) and Hunter (1994)
1995 Age 84, sustained as President of the Church on 1 April, with Thomas S. Monson and James E. Faust as counselors
When Hunter died after a presidency of only nine months, Hinckley succeeded to the presidency of the church at the age of 84. On November 2, 2006, Hinckley surpassed David O. McKay to become the oldest president in church history.
Hinckley was known for his aggressive building of temples. Currently there are 124 operating temples, 10 under construction, and 4 announced (not yet under construction). Before he became president in 1995 there were 47 temples in the church. Over two-thirds of all LDS Church temples were dedicated by Hinckley. Hinckley oversaw other significant building projects, including the construction of the Conference Center and extensive renovations of the Salt Lake Tabernacle.
(Notes from ME:)- I really enjoyed this timeline (below) for many reasons but two that I will mention. For one, it never occured to me that Pres Hinckley was the one to introduce "The Family: a Proclamation to the World", which I think is a really strong and firm foundation that we have in the church at this time. I guess I either just never registered that it was him, or it just didn't matter yet... but I find that interesting because I just didn't put two and two together. And the other reason why I think these next two paragraphs are great is because I read much about the Perpetual Education Fund a few years back and really studied to understand what it entails and it's benefits and how it works, and I'm a big supporter of this fund. To be honest... and I'm really telling the truth when I say this... and not boasting... but when I have thoughts of wanting to become "independantly wealthy" I honestly always think about this education fund. I don't know what it is about it, but I have a huge desire to contribute to this cause, and to be completely honest, the only time I think I want to have a lot of money, it's because I really want to do some good in this world and also because I want to serve a mission - multiple missions. Now "saying" and "doing" are definitely two different things and that's why tonight I'm making all my thoughts public because I'm hoping that will give me an extra push to follow through on what I say! That said...
In February 1996, church membership in countries other than the United States surpassed that of the U.S. membership. On March 31, 2001, he announced the Perpetual Education Fund, a large endowment that provides loans to students in developing nations. On October 22, 2002, Hinckley participated in the dedication of the Gordon B. Hinckley Building at Brigham Young University–Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho. This was the first building at BYU–Idaho to be named for a then living church president. In April 2003, Hinckley gave a speech in which he addressed the Bush administration's war in Iraq. He said "... as citizens we are all under the direction of our respective national leaders. They have access to greater political and military intelligence than do the people generally," adding, "Furthermore, we are a freedom-loving people, committed to the defense of liberty wherever it is in jeopardy." He also noted that "It may even be that He will hold us responsible if we try to impede or hedge up the way of those who are involved in a contest with forces of evil and repression."
In March 2005, Hinckley, together with Thomas S. Monson and James E. Faust, celebrated their tenth anniversary as the First Presidency—the first time in the history of the church that a First Presidency had continued for such a period of time without personnel changes. On January 24, 2006, Hinckley underwent surgery to remove cancerous growths from his large intestine.
In June 2006, Hinckley traveled to Iowa City, Iowa to speak at a commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the start of the Mormon handcart companies.
On 23 June 2006—his 96th birthday—Hinckley participated in a groundbreaking ceremony at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah for a new building that was to be named in his honor. The building was named the "Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center" and was completed and dedicated on Hinckley's 97th birthday. On March 31, 2007, Hinckley rededicated the Salt Lake Tabernacle after extensive renovation. Hinckley's last public appearance was on January 4, 2008, where he offered the prayer at the rededication of the Utah State Capitol.
At the time Hinckley became president of the church he had dedicated 23 of the church's 47 temples and had rededicated four of the remaining 24.
While president of the church, Hinckley presided at the dedication of 65 additional temples. Hinckley also rededicated five temples while president of the church, four of which he had dedicated initially. In all, Hinckley dedicated or rededicated 92 different temples — 87 while president of the church — at 97 different dedicatory services.
President George W. Bush shakes Hinckley's hand before presenting him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, June 23, 2004On 23 June 2004 (Hinckley's 94th birthday), U.S. President George W. Bush awarded Hinckley the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a ceremony at the White House. The press release put forth by the White House stated:
AMAZING!!! And awesome!!!
Hinckley has received many educational honors, including the Distinguished Citizen Award from Southern Utah University, Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Utah, and honorary doctorates from Westminster College, Utah State University, University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and Southern Utah University. He has received the Silver Buffalo Award of the Boy Scouts of America, and has been honored by the National Conference for Community and Justice for his contributions to tolerance and understanding in the world.
(ME again): I just simply don't have the intelligence or time to list all the great and many wonderful things that Gordon B Hinckley has done in his life, but I can surely say I tried! I just love him so much as I love this gospel with all of my heart. I am so thankful to have been sealed to hubby for Eternity and that our children will be with us and we will be as a family not only until death do us part, but for Eternities~! What an amazing gift!
When listing President Hinckleys accomplishments and life timelines, I used Wikipedia, LDS.org for sources.
Thank you so much for sharing Jackie. Yesterday was my birthday, and it was so strange to think of my day of birth as his day of death. It does make me feel connected to him in a way. What an amazing man. I hope you don't mind, I'm using that quote of his on my blog. I've never heard it, but as you can imagine, I love it! Thanks again Jackie.
Posted by: Stephanie | January 28, 2008 at 08:48 AM
What an amazing time line! And a very sweet Video-- He really is such a great sweet wonderful man! I love watching him talk becuase he just radiates Joy and Love! Thank you for sharing your testimony and thoughts!
Posted by: Jenn | January 28, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Your testimony was great to hear, thank you!
Posted by: Jos | January 28, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Thank you for sharing all of this with us. You are the best!
Posted by: Krista Watts | January 28, 2008 at 06:38 PM
Thanks for sharing this, how sweet. It won't be the same listening to conference without him, I always looked forward to listening to his sweet messages, I could always feel his love and loved his sense of humor. He will be missed by many, but he leaves a great legacy. It makes me so happy that he is with his sweetheart :)
Posted by: Patty R | January 28, 2008 at 07:45 PM