Gordon B. Hinckley, the Prophet

I have seen many wonderful thoughts and tributes to President Hinckley since his passing this week. So many lives have been enriched by his selfless service and example. It has been interesting to hear what those outside our faith have had to say about him. They have paid great tribute and yet they don't really understand the greatness of this man because they don't understand the greatness of the position he's occupied for the past thirteen years.

That makes me think. Perhaps none of us understands the greatness of others because we don't really understand their divine nature. We are taught that each of us is a Child of God and yet do we really believe it about ourselves? Do we really believe it about others?

The following are fabulous words by President Hinckley to the young women of the church. To me, it shows the amazing optimism, love, and motivation of this prophet who so clearly loves people and honors women (first and foremost his wife with whom he is now reunited and that just makes me happy).

“You are creatures of divinity, you are daughters of the Almighty. Limitless is your potential. Magnificent is your future, if you will take control of it. Do not let your lives drift in a fruitless and worthless manner …

“Never forget that you came to earth as a child of the divine Father, with something of divinity in your very makeup. The Lord did not send you here to fail. He did not give you life to waste it. He bestowed upon you the gift of mortality that you might gain experience, positive, wonderful, purposeful experience that will lead to life eternal. He has given you this glorious church, His church, to guide you and direct you, to give you opportunity for growth and experience, to teach you and lead you and encourage you, to bless you with eternal marriage, to seal upon you a covenant between you and Him that will make of you His chosen daughter, one upon whom He may look with love and with a desire to help. May God bless you richly and abundantly, my dear young friends, His wonderful daughters.”