A great man passed away on Sunday. A pinnacle of spirituality that stood taller than his fragile stature would show at times. A person I never directly met, but whose influence made me turn my life around.
I remember a time back in 1997 when Gordon B. Hinckley was going to be on the Larry King show. This was one of the few times that a church leader had spoken out in such a public forum. I was excited to see what was going to happen. And interested to see what words of advice he had for a troubled nation.
My whole apartment sat around the television waiting to see what words of wisdom and insight were going to be said from the prophet of our church. I don't' remember much about the interview now, just a couple words here and there, but there was exchange between Larry and the Prophet that I remember and has stuck with me:
Larry - "How long have you been a member of the church?
President Hinckley - "All my life!"
Larry - "Have you ever doubted your faith?"
President Hinckley - (without a pause) "Never!"
It was the fastest response to a question that I think I had ever witnessed during an interview. And I thought silently to myself, "My goodness. I've doubted so often and struggled so long ... that is impressive that he could respond so quickly." From that moment on I have tried to build my testimony so that I can have that quick of a response to people. "Have you ever doubted your faith?" My response (without hesitation), "Yes, but I no longer do!"
Now I've had friends who've told me their problems with religion (organized or disorganized) as well as problems with spirituality. My past lives have not shown the strength in my convictions as my current life does. However, I am working at becoming better and stronger. The trick is to continue when it is easy to stop. To always pursue the excellence when common is all around. To work through the struggle when you feel like you should quit. With Hinckley's command of "Get your affairs in order" the struggle seems to lessen and the load becomes lighter.
I have had repeated chances to listen to President Gordon B. Hinckley speak, my beloved Prophet. Every time he has spoken something rings true to me and touches my heart and mind and helps me become a better person. I look at his accomplishments and stand in awe at what he has done. And I think to myself ... I wonder what I can do when I stop doubting? Even at 97 years old.
You'll be missed, President Hinckley, but I'll embrace you, and thank you, when we see each other again.