Our Prophet Gordon B. Hinkley

I really wanted something profound to say but I am really at a loss for words. That being said, my 12-year-old daughter wanted to write something about the prophet's passing from what she has read and the thoughts she has had. I think it's appropriate:

This world has seen many influential men such as George Washington, Leonardo Da Vinci, Ghandi; each affecting the world of men differently and each touching the hearts of those who hold close to the world we live in. In the past few centuries the world has become a much different place. The church has faced even more opposition that it ever has. The saints are constantly troubled and tempted by worldly influences. But amidst all of this confusion and chaos a hero was born, Gordon B. Hinckley. He led the saints into a wonderful place and helped prepare us for what the world was thrown at us.

President Hinckley was a great prophet. He rose up over one hundred temples, doubling the number of temples there had been. The church expanded worldwide and millions of our brothers and sisters in foreign countries were converted to the gospel. He lit the pathway the lord made for us to follow. He kept us on the right path and we were truly blessed by it. He was a great leader. His own voice would touch even the hardest of hearts and his spirit when he walked in the room was overwhelming.

President Hinckley was a great person. He had a large family with five children and twenty-five grandchildren. His closest friend and companion was his wife who died in 2004. He was broken by the loss of his partner but he stood tall. He had a great sense of humor and was always up for a good laugh. He filled the whole room with joy when he walked in and he had a great smile. He loved the saints. Most of my favorite memories of the prophet were of him walking out of a meeting and waving his cane up at the audience.

President Hinckley died today, January 27th, 2008 at about 7pm. His family surrounded him. What I wouldn’t give to see the rejoicing in heaven when President Hinckley sees his beloved wife again. He left behind the saints and all the beloved temples he worked so hard to build. The saints I know are all crushed by the loss of their beloved prophet but let us remember how blessed we were to know him for this short amount of time. I know that one thing I loved about the prophet was that he became prophet the year that I was born and I thought that I was really special to have that. How blessed I am to hear the hymn, “ We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet” for how true it is.

May we all be blessed by this great mans example and may we always remember President Gordon B. Hinckley.