remembering

I sat down to write a post about the strange day I had, but feel overwhelmed with the need to remember. I don't think I have a huge fan-base on the ol' blog, but most of you know (or should know by now) that I am a Latter day-Saint. And if you haven't been living under a rock recently, you know that the president of our church, Gordon B. Hinckley passed away last Sunday.

Although it came as a surprise to the just over 13 million members of the church, it wasn't much of a shock. He was 97 years old and most people would agree that since the passing of his wife Marjorie a few years past he hasn't quite had the same sparkle in his eye.

I can't say that I ever met him, but I do feel like I know him as well as any member of my family. His words have uplifted and inspired many. As the president of our church, he helped to bridge the gap between "us" and "them." He held news conferences and befriended famous news personalities. He made the church assessable to the public.

More temples were built and dedicated in his 14 years as president than in any other. He stressed the importance of families, of living the commandments, of setting good examples, of being a friend. He traveled the world countless times, and even just last week had a full schedule.

He loved everyone, and I mean everyone. Member and non-member alike, his love was audible, palpable and real. What is unique to our church is that we believe we have a prophet on the earth today. And that prophet doesn't just serve the Latter-day Saint population, he serves the world.

I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a little over 5 years ago. I was 20 years old. I didn't know I was searching for something, until I found something to search for. Twice a year we have a General Conference of the church where the leaders speak to us as members and non-members to help us to live better lives. I had the privilege of hearing President Hinckley speak only minutes before my baptism. I remember looking at him and knowing that he was called to lead and guide us all.

A few years ago when I was visiting Utah for a friends wedding I went up to Salt Lake to see the Mormon Tabernacle choir perform on a Sunday morning for Music and the Spoken Word. After the performance we ran across Temple Square to attend church in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Little did we know that this was the building that President Hinckley attended when he was in Salt Lake. Without pomp and circumstance, he quietly entered the chapel, we all rose out of respect and reverence and then church began. He didn't address us, but he sat with us, took the sacrament with us, and worshiped Christ with us. The closest I can say I ever got to him was 2 church pews away, but his spirit and love were palpable.

What is most comforting out of all of this sadness is that President Hinckley is once again with his wife. Although he has passed away, he is doing so much more work on the other side than his poor, frail old 97 body could handle on the earth. The work of the church continues. With out any hiccups, without any blips. He mantle has been passed, and the work continues. We don't have to wait for white smoke to appear from the top of any buildings, or for a final tally to be taken of votes. Because it doesn't work that way. President Thomas S. Monson will continue the work, just as countless other presidents have, all the way back to Joseph Smith, Junior.

Member or non-member, I know that everyone can learn from the words of Gordon B. Hinckley. I received this via email earlier today and was touched by it. http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/200/5127/

Pray for wisdom and understanding as you walk the difficult paths of your lives. If you are determined to do foolish and imprudent things, I think the Lord will not prevent you. But if you seek His wisdom and follow the counsel of the impressions that come to you, I am confident that you will be blessed.
-- Gordon B. Hinckley