Passing

Our beloved prophet and leader of our church, Gordon B. Hinckley, passed away last night at the age of 97. He was someone I greatly loved and admired as one of the kindest, gentlest and humorous of leaders. He taught us so many wonderful truths during his time as prophet and I have spent part of the day re-reading some of his counsel that has affected my life. I am certain that today he is again in the arms of his beloved wife, Marjorie who passed away four years ago. They had the most beautiful, loving relationship as husband and wife.

"Now, my brethren and sisters, the time has come for us to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of this The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is a season to be strong. It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth, and the importance of our mission. 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 season to reach out with kindness and love to those in distress and to those who are wandering in darkness and pain. It is a time to be considerate and good, decent and courteous toward one another in all of our relationships. In other words, to become more Christlike" Gordon B. Hinckley - Gen. Conf. 1995 Apr.

“Under the plan of heaven, the husband and the wife walk side by side as companions, neither one ahead of the other, but a daughter of God and a son of God walking side by side. Let your families be families of love and peace and happiness. Gather your children around you and have your family home evenings, teach your children the ways of the Lord, read to them from the scriptures, and let them come to know the great truths of the eternal gospel as set forth in these words of the Almighty.”
( “Selections from Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, Mar. 2001, 64.)