President Hinckley's Passing

As many of you probably already know, President Hinckley, our beloved Leader and Prophet passed away yesterday at age 97.(Click Here to see the news story) Despite his age, it was a shock to me and I had to spend about 45 minutes crying my eyes out to come to grips with it. He was my hero! I loved him so much because of the hundreds of times his words and smile, mannerisms and incredible attitude have touched my life. I actually just gave a talk last week in church and of course quoted him. Here is the quote:

“I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight.

He continues: There never was a greater time in the history of the world to live upon the earth

than this. How grateful every one of us ought to feel for being alive in this wonderful time with all the

marvelous blessings we have. … And on top of all that is the Restoration of the gospel of the

Lord Jesus Christ with all of the keys and authority, with all the gifts and blessings, with all the

organization and doctrine of all previous dispensations all brought into one. And you and I are

partakers of that marvelous restoration (from Church News, Aug. 14, 1999, 7).

I see so many good people everywhere—and there’s so much of good in them.

And the world is good. Wonderful things are happening in this world.

This is the greatest age in the history of the earth. …

We have every reason to be optimistic in this world. Tragedy is around, yes.

Problems everywhere, yes. … You can’t, you don’t, build out of pessimism or cynicism.

You look with optimism, work with faith, and things happen (from Ensign, June 1995, 4).

What optimism and encouragement! He was an incredible example of positivity and faith! I am grateful for his life and how his words and love touched me for most of my teenage and adult life (thus far). I am also grateful that the church keeps going, and the Lord will continue to work through and speak to us through his next prophet as he has done for thousands of years!