The passing of a prophet

Sunday night around 8:00 was just a normal night. Roommates and friends filled the apartment. Ashley and I making some hot coco. I went across the hall to borrow a mug when I heard the news. The prophet of my youth had passed away. Shock, sadness, and a little doubt were my first reactions. However it didn't take long for an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and love to fill my heart. What a great reunions must have occurred. Not just with President Hinckley and his wife, but with the lord. Don't forget the thousands of souls he had touched over the years. Those who he preached to in England. Those to whom he loved and comforted in Asia. And the millions on the other side, who never did meet him in flesh. So grateful for the temple work that was done for them in one of the many temples of his era. I'm sure tears where shed and hugs were shared.
In later hours of reflection I realized why exactly it was that I loved him so much. He was a man of integrity. He was who he was. A man of faith, of diligence. The world loved him, the church followed him. But why did I love him? Why did I feel so close to him? He was special to me because he formed who I am. Countless spiritual experiences that are so dear to me are somehow related to Gordon B. Hinckley. The dedication of the Spokane temple. Regional conference in Spokane. Listening to "Way to Be" on tape coming home from Utah. Feeling the need to "raise the bar." Innumerable general conference addresses when he spoke directly to me. Stand a little taller. Forget yourself and go to work. Forgive. Shun pornography. No gambling. Go forward with faith.
With the passing of the prophet will not pass my testimony or my faith. They say the best way to remember someone is to live as they once did....and so I will.

http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/200/5127/

http://photo.byu.edu/video.php?cat1=Slide%20Shows&cat2=General&cat3=2008&cat4=Hinckley%20Tribute