Greatness, in a profoundly humble sort of way

I wonder sometimes if others who observe me in my observation of my faith think me to be a blind follower. I have always been an active, faithful participant in my church, but that is not to say I haven't had periods of wondering. I have wrestled with doctrine, I have agonized over human foibles, I have at times wanted to distance myself from cultural practices. Also, I have struggled to reconcile what I have been taught with what the world teaches. Always, I have come out on the believing side of the internal struggles.

There are a few truths that -- no matter the state of my testimony in the Gospel of Jesus Christ -- I have never doubted and which resonate so strongly, that all I need do is remember them and I am filled with peace and comfort and renewed testimony in the truthfulness of the Gospel in its entirety.

The first is that God is real and that his son Jesus Christ is real, and they know me very personally. They want me to succeed, spiritually and otherwise. Most importantly, I need them and would flounder through this existence in a big way without their direct influence in my life.

The second is that God speaks through a mouthpiece called a prophet, even today. Especially today.



I have great love and reverence for this man. I am filled with gratitude that he dedicated his entire life to serving his God and to serving my family. I will miss him.

Comments

go boo boo said…
That was beautiful. I will miss him too.
January 27, 2008 9:37 PM
Anonymous said…
All I can say is "amen". Amye
January 27, 2008 9:47 PM
AmyJune said…
I am so sad to loose him. What a wonderful man and prophet he was.
January 27, 2008 11:54 PM
Heidi said…
He will be greatly missed - I'm sure the reunion with Majorie was very sweet indeed!
January 28, 2008 1:20 AM
Sarah said…
Very nicely said. What a remarkable man and prophet of God.
January 28, 2008 8:43 AM
everydayjami said…
Well said Emily. I echo your sentiments. He was such a wonderful leader.
January 28, 2008 9:21 AM
whit said…
Thank you for your well put words Emily.
January 28, 2008 11:16 AM
Carrie said…
Perfectly said.
January 28, 2008 12:54 PM
Anonymous said…
Emily, I just want to add a big amen to everything you said. I especially love the way you describe wrestling with doctrine, etc. but always coming out on the believing side. I have had similar wrestles and those same basic doctrines that you mentioned (God is real, so is His Son, They love us...) that keep me on the believing side. Beautifully stated.
January 28, 2008 4:58 PM
Anonymous said…
Well put. I can't remember a time when he wasn't in the First Presidency. What a life of service.
January 28, 2008 9:11 PM
Heidi said…
I believe your husband was just arriving in the mission and became my companion when he became the prophet. Seems like yesterday, but so long ago. I remember it very clearly and will remember his passing forever as well. --Andrew
January 29, 2008 1:23 PM
Chelle said…
I get the feeling that you are NOT a blind follower, Emily.

It is my opinion that weak faith is unexamined (blind) faith. The struggle, as you really think and wrestle, even, with issues and points of doctrine, is part of the beauty-- don't you think?

This was beautifully written. Thank you.
January 30, 2008 11:47 AM
Becky said…
That was very touching, Emily. I will miss him greatly, too.
January 30, 2008 9:54 PM
C. Jane Kendrick said…
I it so true. When I was on the mission sometimes I would boil it all down to "President Hinckley knows it is true and I know President Hinckley is true, so I am going with it."
January 31, 2008 12:04 PM
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