As many of you already know, President Hinckley passed away this evening. The hours since I received the news have been solemn, but not sad. President
I also don’t feel this is an end to an era. President Hinckley’s tenure has been an exciting time for the Church. We have seen amazing growth, the proliferation of temples, major changes to the way missionaries teach, and the creation of the Perpetual Education Fund. Yet, the vision was not his but the Lord’s, and it will be carried on unchanged by the next prophet. I am grateful to have known this magnificent man and witnessed this chapter of the Church’s history, but I also know the best days are still ahead of us.
6 comments:
Oh, I agree with all you say, but I still feel like it is the end of an era, if not the Lord's work, certainly.
In many ways, I feel like President Hinckley has shouldered the responsibility of the Church since the 1970's (through the sicknesses of three prophets) as a member of the First Presidency. You have to go two generations back to find people who remember he time he wasn't on the stand every April and October. He was uniquely prepared to lead the Church into the modern world, and though others will carry forward in his footsteps and speak for the Lord as well, they will be very big shoes to fill.
Thanks for your post. What a joy to know he is with his loved ones on the other side. What a joy to know there will be no "political" wrangling for the position of the prophet. What a joy to know the Lord's Kingdom is a kingdom of order.
I'm with you...
Me too.
They ran a special segment on President Hinckley on NPR yesterday, discussing his approach to leadership, the direction he took the Church and his general demeanor and character. While I may not believe or agree with everything, I do believe he was a man to be respected and admired. As such, it is a loss for this world and a great benefit for the next.
Amen, Siobhan.
And STM, your comment about political wrangling got me thinking. The current presidential race fascinates me, but I'm so grateful the Church doesn't work that way. I'm glad the Lord just chooses the right person, instead of a bunch of candidates lobbying for imperfect human votes.
God sent us to this world to learn to think and make choices, but this is one choice better left in His hands. Only He knows who is prepared to be a prophet.
word!
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