A prophet of the Lord, A man whom I love

Just a few years ago, President Gordon B. Hinckley was the first LDS President to visit mainland China. This picture tells me he was received well, not unlike any of the other hundreds of grand entrances he's been given in countless countries around the globe.

For those of you who share my faith, I don't need convince you of all the wonderful ways this man has truly made history and changed mankind forever. You know as well as I. For those who are not of my faith, well, surely you've heard of him and at the least, you've caught a Larry King Live Interview to have felt but a glimpse of the goodness and charm this sweet man carried. At 97, he has now passed.

Today I speak on behalf of my other self, my yellow self, if you will. As I've smiled and cried over the last week reading several heartwarming tributes to Gordon B. Hinckley, I've begun to reflect on my own feelings for this man. I believe it was the 3rd lesson of the old missionary discussions, we taught about prophets. It was my opportunity to live among the wonderful people of Taiwan and to share with them the truth about God having a living prophet on the Earth, just as he did in times of old. Each time I would then ask if they would like to see a picture of the man who today serves as the Lord's mouthpiece to lead and guide us. As I would pull out a picture of sweet President Hinckley, without fail, I would have tears in my eyes. The example of his countenance, humility, and love would soar through me. The greatest reward to me, was after these sweet brothers and sisters of mine had prayed to know the truth, they too had a great love for him. They would stand and bear testimony that he was called of God, and again I would experience that surging feeling of the Spirit. President Hinckley had such a love for God's children all around the world. I can confidently say he had a tender spot in his heart for the Saints in Asia. In the Quorum of the Sevenety and as an Apostle, he served for decades often presiding in many capacities over the Asia area. He dedicated 5 of the 6 temples in Asia, there is a 7th now under construction. Last night I read online a few of these dedicatory prayers which he gave, the blessings that he gave to the people of these lands, just incredible. Spencer J. Palmer, a BYU professor of religion and later Seoul Temple president, said in recalling his days with Elder Hinckley in Korea: "He is the father of the church in the Orient" and says Korean Saints joke that President Hinckley will be resurrected as a Korean. Ha ha ha!. Could you imagine? A Hinckley/Erik Oh combo? I love it!

In the summer of 2005, we were able to go to Seoul, Korea, and see Pres. Hickley give a beautiful address at the 50 year reunion celebration of the church in Korea. My father in law was one of the first members of the church in Korea, taught and baptized by an American G.I. - 2 years before the church had officially opened in Korea. So not only was this meeting emotional and wonderful for my in laws as they recalled on the early days of the church in their homeland, but to see over 10,000 Korean saints gathered in this olympic arena to honor President Hinckley and listen to his words was so moving. He walked in the arena across the stage to the pulpit and everyone spontaneously stood and sang, "We Thank Thee Oh God For a Prophet" in Korean, of course! There was no dry eye. He is so dearly loved all over the world. President Hinckley had a way of making each of us feel so special and so loved while always testifying of the divinity of our Savior. Here is an excerpt of the tender address that he gave to the Korean people that day:

”I love you,” he said. “I have a special love for the Saints in Korea. When I see all these old friends (he looked back and pointed at the leaders sitting behind him) who have been faithful all these years, what wonderful people you are. You know the gospel is true and what the Lord expects of you.
“This may be the last time you hear my voice in Korea,” he said. “I’m an old man now, so old I don’t eat kimchee, (a very spicy Korean dish made of cabbage and other vegetables). I may never come to Korea again. I want you all to know that God our Eternal Father lives, He is the great Governor of the universe. We are His children; He hears and answers the prayers of His children. I want you to know Jesus Christ is the Son, that He left His royal home on high and came among men and was hated and abused, but went about doing good. He was crucified and rose the third day, the first fruits of them that slept. I want you to know that the Father and Son appeared to the boy Joseph Smith and ushered in this dispensation, the greatest of all dispensations. The Book of Mormon is a second witness of Jesus Christ and has come forth to testify of Jesus Christ. I want you to know that the Holy Priesthood is on the earth. God bless you.”
“I feel in my heart a great emotional tie, feeling the love of this vast congregation. God bless you and be with you till we meet again. May Heaven smile upon you, and may your lives be filled with gladness. There is nothing greater I could ask for.” What a great man.

I'd like to add one final memory I have from that day that will put a smile on your face in remembering the great spunk and whit this old man carried. Elder In Sang Han, a member of the sevenety translated for him that day. When President Hinckley finished his remarks, he thanked Elder Han for the translation and highly complimented him. They both had tears, displaying evidence of a great friendship that had been shared over many years. Elder Han bowed at Pres. Hinckley in response to his kind words, and President Hickley bowed back. So Elder Han bowed again....and Pres. Hinckley bowed again. They had this sort of an exchange go on for what seemed like several bows, and it left the crowd in laughs. I love him!

So long, Pres. Hinckley, and God be with YOU until we meet again.