Gordon B. Hinckley Left a Legacy of Love
I wasn’t planning on attending the viewing of our recently deceased Prophet, but when I found my day cut short at the Capitol where I was lobbying on behalf of our children while representing the PTA, I decided that if I could easily find a parking spot by the Conference Center that I’d go ahead and pay tribute. Others in attendance no doubt had more determination than I and would have stood in line for hours to have this opportunity, but I’m sure glad that the circumstances presented themselves just right because it was a great experience.
The line started at doors 14 and 15 or thereabouts, which is on the east side of the building. There were ushers every so often so that you were sure to stay on course and that led me through the middle level of the auditorium all the way to the west side of the building and then back out into the halls and all the way back to the east side of the building, almost to where I entered. Then up the escalators and finally up to where the busts of the presidents of the church are on display. That’s where the Prophet laid peacefully, surrounded by flowers and mourning members (and likely non-members, as well). As I paid my respects I recited the words Gordon B Hinckley (which has become our own personal family motto and that we’ve all memorized; even Griffin can say it word for word) and felt a profound love for him and the difference he’s made in my life. Our family motto is:
The time has come for us to stand a little taller. This is a season to be strong. It is a time to move forward without hesitation. It is a time to do what is right, regardless of the consequences that might follow. It is a time to be found keeping the commandments. It is a time to be considerate and good, decent and courteous towards one another in all of our relationships. We have nothing to fear. God is at the helm.
Our Prophet was always one to encourage and in a way that made you feel loved and not scorned. He always commended the Saints for doing their best and then encouraged us to do a little better. As I thought about his legacy (many say it’s a legacy of Temples that he left us that he is best known and will be best remembered) but the reoccurring feelings and thoughts that passed through my mind was that of his pure love that he had for everyone. He was truly a charitable and loving man of God. He will be missed.
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4 comments »
Very well said. I agree that President Hinckley had a way of reaching out to everyone…wouldn’t the world be a different place if we were all like that!
Comment by Joey — February 2, 2008 @ 12:50 am
You said it so well. He was a wonderful man! We are so blessed to have been alive while he was the President of our church. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Comment by Heather — February 3, 2008 @ 6:17 pm
I concur with your evaluation totally. President Hinckley was truly a blessing in our lives. I’m envious of your ability to write your feelings so well. I appreciate you sharing them.
Love,
Mom
Comment by Merrilee Slack — February 5, 2008 @ 7:09 am
Tyler, you are a very passionate person and one that I look up to and respect. I have enjoyed reading a few things that you support and it is nice to hear that you were able to take the time to go and see the prophet at his viewing. When I heard there was a viewing that anyone could attend I was a little sad that I would not be able to be there. Thanks for being there and letting us know the experience. President Hinckley touched so many people’s lives in and out of the church. My most favorite thing about him was that he respected everyone’s freedom of religion and following right along with the 11th Article of Faith, let them worship how, where, or what they may. We can all learn from that example and allow ourselves as members of the church to intermix with others and show them what we believe through our examples. Thanks for your words.
Comment by kelly — February 7, 2008 @ 9:51 am
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