President Thomas S. Monson
Our Beloved President Hinckley
My Favorite Picture of Pres. Hinckley-
I know this is a little late, but I'm going to do it anyway. As I have reflected on my life and the moments that have impacted them the most, a lot of those moments of impact had to do with the words of the Prophet Gordon B. HInckley. The decisions I made in high school, the decision to go on a mission, who to marry and especially the decision to become a mother were all influenced by his counsel and words. But, even before that, President Hinckley, much to his unawareness, was laying a great foundation of strength for me personally. I remember as a 10 year old in Budapest Hungary gathering with the saints there to hear his words. At that time he wasn't yet the prophet, but in the first presidency. I remember feeling the spirit very strongly there and it was then that I decided I wanted to serve a mission and that I would someday get married in the Temple. After his address we were able to meet him and SIster HInckley. It was an amazing experience for me as a 10 year old. I remember him addressing me by name and thinking "Wow! He knows me?"! Much to my unawareness my mom had probably clued him in to our names. Even so, it was an experience that I will never forget.
One of the things I loved about president Hinckley was his reverence for women. He loved the sisters of the church. I think a lot of that had to do with the love he had for his dear wife. I'm so glad that his counsel to us as women has always been to get as much of a education as we can. This counsel impacted my decision to go to school and get my Bachelors degree and in future my masters. But, even more then the counsel to get an education, the responsibility and honor we have to be mother's. The first presidency has said that "motherhood is the highest and holiest of callings". I Believe 100%. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be a Mom. I love it and most of the time wouldn't want to be anywhere else, but home with my precious Gabe. I'm grateful for Prophets and especially President HInckley. His words and influence will effect generations to come. I know he was inspired of God and was called to be prophet for our generation because of his insight and love. He will be greatly missed by all. But, what a sweet reunion it must have been for him, not only with his dear wife, but all the prophet who came before him and most importantly(as Garrett reminded me) with God the Father and His son Jesus Christ.
