President Gordon B. Hinckley- A Giant Among Men

“We Thank Thee O’ God for a Prophet” is the tune that has been in my head this past week. President Gordon B. Hinckley was truly an amazing man. He was an example and an inspiration to all of us. His life was dedicated to the service of our Heavenly Father, our Savior Jesus Christ, to the members of the Church and to all of mankind. I think President Monson summed it up when he said “Here and there, and now and then, God makes a giant among men. President Hinckley was such a giant—a giant of knowledge, of faith, of testimony, of compassion, of vision”. I took the time today to read through some of his General Conference talks over the past 5 years and as I read tears flowed from my eyes as I remembered reading or hearing these words earlier in my life and how they seemed to touch me and speak directly to me; to help me and comfort me. Gordon B. Hinckley meant a lot to me on a personal level. His words and advice carried me through some of the hardest times of my life—through heart aches, the loss of family or friends, through opposition, and through questions about my future. By studying his words and the words of prophets of old I got answers to questions, concerns, and prayers; I felt empowered and inspired; and my testimony of this great gospel and of my dear Savior was strengthened. Here are some of my favorite words from President Hinckley:


"Let us all try to stand a little taller, rise a little higher, be a little better. Make the extra effort. You will be happier."

“Be Grateful, Be Smart, Be Clean, Be True, Be Humble, Be Prayerful”

"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."

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just like people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is just like an old time rail journey ... delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."

"Marriage, in its truest sense, is a partnership of equals, with neither exercising dominion over the other but, rather, with each encouraging and assisting the other in whatever responsibilities and aspirations he or she might have. In my judgment, the real essence of happiness in marriage lies not so much in romance as in an anxious concern for the comfort and well-being of one's companion. Thinking of self alone and of the gratification of personal desires will build neither trust, love, nor happiness. Only when there is unselfishness will love, with its concomitant qualities, flourish and blossom."

“Our lives are the only meaningful expression of what we believe and in Whom we believe. And the only real wealth, for any of us, lies in our faith.”


President Hinckley’s advice and example guided me through life. His words helped me make many important decisions that changed the path of my future. The answers I received by studying his words along with diligent prayer ultimately helped me to find my eternal sweetheart even though we were living across the country at the time. For that I will be forever grateful. Austin and I were fortunate enough to hear President Hinckley speak at our stake conference last year in Holladay. The Spirit was so strong as the congregation sang "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet" as he left the chapel. I am so thankful for the gospel in my life. I am so thankful for prophets to lead and guide us in these latter days. I feel lucky to have lived in a day and age when President Hinckley was the President of the church. President Hinckley once said that he is totally in the hands of the Lord. I know he was called home to the presence of our Lord and to the presence of his beloved sweetheart Marjorie. In this, we can rejoice. “Let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.” (D&C 101:16.) We are all in the Lord’s hands and I pray that we will harken unto the words of the scriptures, our dear prophets of old and our new prophet Thomas S. Monson. He will be in our prayers as well.




Thank You President Hinckley for all you have done!
We love you and we will never forget you.

“God be with you till we meet again; 
By his counsels guide, uphold you. . . .
When life's perils thick confound you,
 Put his arms unfailing round you. . . .
Keep love's banner floating o'er you;
 Smite death's threat'ning wave before you.
 God be with you till we meet again.”
("God Be with You Till We Meet Again," Hymns, no. 152)


The time has come to stand a little taller.