i feel a great deal of sadness tonight. but i also know that there is much to be happy about too. dear PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY passed away this day, leaving to be with his eternal companion FOREVER. i will miss the smile and his wise words...how fortunate to have listened to his voice; seen the strength in his eyes; and felt the spirit when he spoke. i love this man -- our prophet and leader of THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS.
president hinckley writes, "love is like the polar star. in a changing world, it is a constant. it is something that, when sincere, never moves. it is the very essence of the teachings of christ. it is the security of the home. it is the safeguard of community life. it is a beacon of hope in a world of distress.
as we look across the broad spectrum of humanity and see the masses who walk in hunger and poverty and who suffer the constant afflictions of disease and misery, let us be generous with our substance to assist.
let love become the lodestar of our lives in reaching out to those who need our strength. there are many among us who live in pain -- emotional and spiritual pain as well as physical hardship. there are many who walk in frightening circumstances, fearful and unable to cope alone. it was said of the savior that he "went about doing good" (acts 10:38). he is the supreme model for each of us.
such are the injunctions -- these and many more -- to reach out to those in distress with a measure of the love epitomized by the life and works of the savior.
admittedly, it is not always easy to follow the polar star of love. it requires a discipline almost beyond the power of many to observe. i think it is the most difficult and also the most important of all commandments. but out of its observance come a remarkable discipline and a refining influence that are wonderful to experience."
(standing for something, gordon b. hinckley)
