Sunday, January 27, 2008

great loss...



President Hinckley, our beloved prophet of nearly 13 years, passed away this evening, and I am at a complete loss for words. Due to the fact that we are both at different stages of an unwelcome illness, John and I retired to our bed early...but I just couldn't sleep. A million thoughts are circulating my mind, many of which have settled in my heart, while others have made themselves manifest through my tears. But I still lack the words to fully express my feelings upon hearing the news, and how I feel now...in this very moment. I guess what I can say, and have no problem expressing is my love for President Hinckley. I love President Hinckley. He became the Prophet when I was a senior in high school. He was the prophet whose signature adorned my mission call, and subsequently was the prophet I taught about and testified of on a daily basis in my field of labor as a missionary. He was the prophet whose words I turned to and sought out as solace in times of sorrow, grief, and loss. Within weeks of returning home from my mission, I was privileged to attend a session of general conference in the newly erected conference center. There I sat on the second row, my heart full to bursting by the grandeur of the edifice and the spirit that was so prevalent therein. I'll never forget when President Hinckley walked in. He was so close, I felt like I could reach out and touch him. The spirit once again confirmed to me that he was the the prophet of the world. When the session concluded, he stood up to face the saints who had assembled to hear his voice. And this is the part that will forever and ever be etched in my memory and in my heart. He looked at me, and as his eyes connected with mine, and with a smile embellishing his face, he raised his cane and vigorously waved it at me and the entire congregation. I will never forget the joy that leapt into my heart upon receiving such a tender mercy from my Heavenly Father.
President Hinckley will always be remembered for the life he lived and for the legacy he left behind. I can't help but find a glimmer of light in the fact that while I, and the rest of the church, and still many who are not members, mourn his loss; the Heavens and all of its inhabitants must be singing praises to the most high God for his long awaited return home. And I can't help but smile when I think about the reunion that is now taking place between him and his beloved sweetheart, Marjorie.
I imagine I will live to see many prophets sustained, and be touched by their ministry; but never will I forget the profound affect that this beloved oracle and prophet, even Gordon B. Hinckley, has had on my life.
I will forever and ever hold the example of his life, his teachings, even his legacy, safe in my heart...and immutable in my soul.

God bless President Hinckley


...until we meet again.

8 comments:

Kat and Steve said...

I also feel at a loss for words. What a wonderful man we have to remember.

Anonymous said...

Very, very beautifully said. Amen.

Brooke said...

Such an incredible man! He will be so missed!

Danielle said...

This is truly beautiful, Nicole. I, too, find it enormously difficult to express into words the feelings of loss I feel. Yet, it is so easy to express love for President Hinckley, isn't it? I wrote about him on my blog, as well. He was the prophet was I joined the Church, so I always like to call him "my prophet". In fact, though, he truly was the Lord's prophet. I am so grateful for all the marvelous miracles President Hinckley helped bring out, especially the mass temple building. He was, indeed, an instrument in God's hands.

I was actually attended General Conference that year, in the brand new Conference Center, too. I remember him waving his cane, with a big bright smile on his face. He joked, "I'm using a cane to keep with style."

What a beloved, blessed, beautiful, humble, righteous, amazing man - our dear, dear prophet President Hinckley was... as you said, "GOD BLESS HIM, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!"

Blackner Family said...

Well said. I too was so happy thinking of the reunion that must have gone on in heaven. What an incredible life of service, love and of Christ's example he lived.

Jess and Matt said...

Thank you for so eloquently stating how I feel. You have such a profound way of expressing tender feelings.

Julia Kelly said...

thank you. i too love and will miss him, but smile to think of the reunion between him and his sweet wife.

diana said...

my thoughts exactly, but more eloquently spoken.