I am sad to hear news about the passing of the prophet of my church,
dear President Gordon B. Hinckley.
But as I view pictures of him, my heart is filled with the upmost-joy & major-peace. I am so happy that he has been reunited with his sweet/amazing wife.
It is with super-deep reverence that I *try* to articulate my feelings about this wonderful man & what his service, sacrifice, and example have meant to me in my own little Angie-life.
I am beyond grateful for the life he lived, the man he was, and the truths he taught.
Presdident Hinckley is very near & dear to my heart. He has lead my church through my teenage years, into my adult life. He has been an upbeat, positive, encouraging beacon of light, & an example of strength & faithfullness. His words have comforted me time & time again. His counsel has helped me along, & assisted me with important decisions about my crazy existence.
I specifically remember a time, back in the day…I was a senior in high school. I was a very happy girl & had a pretty rockin’ life. But I was, however, approaching graduation…a time when I would kinda hafta be a big girl & make big girl decisions…and…let’s just say…that was REALLY freaking me out.
I attended a broadcast over @ my church to listen to the prophet speak. I was a lil tardy {of course}…and so I got stuck in the hard/cold chairs, like, in the very back.
And, I was wearing a REALLY cute black dress that my mom made, if you wanted to know. {said dress, sadly, wouldn’t even fit on my big toe now…}
His talk was entitled, “A prophets counsel, and prayer for the youth.” He discussed guidelines that would help us kiddos/young adults throughout our lives….the six B’s: Be grateful, Be smart, Be clean, Be true, Be humble, Be prayerful. I have recorded in my old-school personal journal the specifics of this talk & the feelings I felt while hearing it. I refer to it often.
That evening was one of THE most spiritual experiences of my entire life to date. I recall feeling as if he were speaking directly to me. Tears streamed down my face *onto my adorable black dress* as I listened to the counsel from my loving prophet. His words were exactly what I needed to hear, at the exact time I needed to hear them.
Ever since that time, I absolutely & unequivocally *know* for sure, that there is a God in heaven who loves me. He loves all his children, regardless of their faith or circumstance. And, I am profoundly grateful for this knowledge.
I am also deeply humbled that Heavenly Father loves me enough to send me a prophet, to teach-n-preach modern-day revelation.
Here is just a small compiled list of things I have learned from this amazing man,
President Gordon B. Hinckley:
*To not take life too seriously:
“We need to have a little humor in our lives. We better take seriously that which should be taken seriously, but at the same time we can bring in a touch of humor now & again. If the time ever comes when we can’t smile at ourselves, it will be a very sad time.” -Hinckley
*To never give up:
“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.” -Hinckley
*To be better:
“Shape up. I say that to myself constantly. Shape up. Stand a little taller. Be a little better, a little stronger, a little more thoughtful, a little humbler. A little more prayerful, that you may be worthy of the guidance of the Lord and of His wonderful blessing.” -Hinckley
*To measure up to the divinity within:
“Some of you may feel that you are not as attractive and beautiful and glamorous as you would like to be. Rise above any such feelings, cultivate the light you have within you, and it will shine through as a radiant expression that will be seen by others. You need never feel inferior. You need never feel that you were born without talents or without opportunities to give them expression. Cultivate whatever talents you have, and they will grow and refine and become an expression of your true self appreciated by others. -Hinckley
*To serve:
“I do not care how old you are, how young you are, whatever. You can lift people and help them. Heaven knows there are so very, very very many people in this world who need help. Oh, so very, very many. Let’s get the cankering, selfish attitude out of our lives and stand a little taller as we reach a little higher in the service of others. As Browning said, “A man’s reach should exceed his grasp.” Stand a little taller, stand higher, lift those with feeble knees, hold up the arms of those that hang down. Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Forget yourself.” -Hinckley
*To be happy:
“We can lower our voices a few decibels. We can return good for evil. We can smile when anger might be so much easier. We can exercise self-control and self-discipline and dismiss any affront levied against us. Let us be a happy people. The Lord’s plan is a plan of happiness. The way will be lighter, the worries will be fewer, the confrontations will be less difficult if we cultivate a spirit of happiness.” -Hinckely
*To be faithful:
“I hope that prayer will take on a new luster in our lives. None of us knows what lies ahead. We may speculate, but we do not know. Sickness may strike us. Misfortune may overtake us. Fears may afflict us. Death may place his cold and solemn hand upon us or a loved one. Regardless of what may come, may faith, immovable and constant, shine above us as the polar star.” -Hinckley
*To pray:
“We can draw nearer to the Lord in our prayers. These can become conversations of thanksgiving. I can never fully understand how the Great God of the Universe, the Almighty, invites us as His children to speak with Him individually. How precious an opportunity is this. How wonderful that it actually happens. I testify that our prayers, offered in humility and sincerity, are heard and answered. It is a miraculous thing, but it is real.” -Hinckley
And lastly:
*To have joy:
“In all of living, have much fun & laughter, life is to enjoyed, not just endured.” -Hinckley
Till we meet again…
