Invincible

Gordon Bitner Hinckley 1910-2008

I stole this picture off of Erin's blog. I love this picture. Maybe it's the photographer in me. I love all the wrinkles on his face, and his eyes. The many people in this world his eyes have seen. The little grin that reminds me of his wit and humor. I really don't think there's another leader in our world like him. So willing to show and tell the world of our faith. Not power hungry in any way. Just a very humble man wanting to serve the Lord and the people of the world. I really thought he was invincible. I was shocked to hear of the news. Once realization hit, I was happy to know of his reunion with his beloved wife. So grateful to know of the existence of life after death. With surity, I have a knowledge that our Heavenly Father is so proud of him and all the work he has done to "feed His sheep" and welcome him with open arms. Troy wondered if he had to fill out paperwork when he arrived. Hee Hee. You never know...


In watching the all night TV tributes to him (bonus for living in Utah) I found that he dedicated the temple in Seoul and that he had a special place in his heart for Asia. It was his job to help open up churches and temples in Asia. He traveled to Asia 21 times in 8 years. When I told Troy this morning, we have decided we are going to try to do a session at the Seoul temple.


Anyways, I am grateful for the opportunity I had to take my family to hear him speak at Stake Conference in the fall. (Does anyone know how I would get a transcript of what he said that day? I've been wondering for awhile now...) I am grateful for his willingness to serve, and to do what the Lord asked of him. I'm sure at the age of 97, it would be nice to just hang out and not have to travel the world. He was a selfless man. I also am grateful that we don't have to worry about the fate of our church. It goes to show that this is the Lord's church, and not the prophet's church. I am grateful for the opportunity we all had to learn from such a great prophet!