Holding a good thought for President Hinckley
The sad news today at the passing of a great and humble man that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints revere as Prophet, Seer and revelator, Gordon B. Hinckley at 97. I had the pleasure and honour to meet this man twice. I was always impressed with his ability to make people feel as though they were the most important person. The reports are legion from people who worked with him and those who were touched by him. He encouraged the importance of "Standing for Something" and throughout his 97 years his life attested to that fact. What a man!
President Hinckley was known, even at the age of 95, as a tireless leader who always put in a full day at the office and traveled extensively around the world to mix with Church members, now numbering nearly 13 million in 171 nations.
His quick wit and humor, combined with an eloquent style at the pulpit, made him one of the most loved of modern Church leaders. A profoundly spiritual man, he had a great fondness for history and often peppered his sermons with stories from the Church’s pioneer past.
He was a popular interview subject with journalists, appearing on 60 Minutes with Mike Wallace and on CNN’s Larry King Live, as well as being quoted and featured in hundreds of newspapers and magazines over the years. During the Salt Lake Olympics of 2002, his request that the Church refrain from proselytizing visitors was credited by media with generating much of the goodwill that flowed to the Church from the international event.
President Hinckley's passing has also caused me to think more on other wonderful men of God from other denominations I have had the pleasure and honour to meet either through my photography or association. I recall with a particular fondness, Australian Priest Cardinal Clancy, who was the second man in the vatican to Pope John Paul for many years. I love the message these men of religious standing espouse. They champion the virtues of love, honesty, morality, civility, learning, forgiveness, mercy, thrift and industry, gratitude, optimism and faith.
I hope I am a better person from learning more about these people and other good people wherever I find them.
CP
Comments
You have also mentioned in earlier entries that you are a member of the Mormon church. What happens to your church now that the prophet is gone? There is no leader - what does this mean for the Mormon community?
Also, if you feel inclined to share...how did Mr Hinckley affect your own life during his time as the Mormon leader? Did his leadership have a personal effect for your life?
V2T
In answer to your question, There is actually a leader. The next in line is automatically chosen as the successor. They won't generally announce it publicly until today, Monday in the U.S, or may even wait until the funeral of President Hinckley before holding a press conference. It is understood by me that when the heart stops beating of any serving Prophet, President of the church, the heart of the next Prophet, President starts beating. If I am correct in my recollections of this process, it is so that at no time the church is ever left "rudderless" or without direction. Whilst it is a sad time generally for members of teh church, with our belief in a life beyond this state we call mortality, and as such, communal feelings of wonder at how sweet the reunion it must be of this humble man with his wife, Marjorie who died some 4 years ago.
Of her passing President Hinckley noted that "the passing of a loved one leaves an emptiness and lonlieness that never leaves". He will be missed but what a legacy of kindness, generosity of heart and love he leaves.
Lastly, He affected my life simply by his example. I saw the 60 Minutes interview with seasoned reporter Mike Wallace of the U.S ABC network, and he was thrown curly questions and he answered them with respect, love and honesty. His whole life was an example. If he had flaws, and he did, they were small. As you may recall my fondness and high regard for Mandella, I also loved Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. These are all men of peace, men of vision and men of hope, whom I feel we need in an ever increasing way when voices of these style of peace are continually being drowned out by the noise and din of societies ever increasing demand for things of self.
BTW, I never left. Just been enjoying reading your blog rather than commenting.
I follow quite a few blogs - everyone different from the other. The creativity, honesty and diversity of each one is really enjoyable.
Your professional and beautiful images are always just magical!!!!
V2T
And thank you so much for your comments on my images. It means a great deal to me.