Gordon B. Hinckley

In light of our sweet prophet's passing, I wanted to share my gratitude and testimony of him. Shortly after I joined the Church, President Benson died. President Hunter became the prophet for only a short 9 month period. The attention of President Hunter's call to be the prophet peaked my awareness of the prophet and was the first time I considered my testimony of him. Soon President Hinckley was sustained as our prophet. For many years I read his words and learned about his life and mantle. During my first year at BYU, I was asked by some roommates if I was going to attend President Hinckley's devotional. Then Paul, who I had begun dating, invited me to go, so I agreed. I didn't know exactly what to expect and I wasn't sure if (among 30,000 people) it would be worth it to see him from the high bleechers, but I was prepared with homework. We went early to get within the first tier of seating. After about 30 minutes of doing some homework and chatting with my group, I faintly heard someone on the floor of the Marriott Center sing, "We Thank Thee Oh God For A Prophet." More people began singing. I begun singing. Everyone around me was singing. I still could not see anyone... and then I saw his distant figure walk into the auditorium. The Spirit testified that I was in the presence of the Lord's Prophet. How short-mided I had been to think that my faith was restricted by proximity. I cried through the rest of the meeting and when he left, we sang again to him. I consider this the moment I formed a testimony of my prophet. President Hinckley has accomplished so much and gone to great lengths and distances to testify of the Savior. I will always be personally grateful that he traveled to Provo, Utah and gave me a witness that the Church is true and the Lord lives and loves me. I know he sends us prophets to lead and guide us, and to walk beside us in the notion that he is in the same political, social, economic turmoil or peace we are experiencing. I will be eternally grateful for President Hinckley, for his strength and his testimony, which I have trusted so confidently! I am grateful for that "foundation" moment that I have been able to build upon!