The Passing of a Prophet

Along with so many we mourn the loss of President Gordon B. Hinckley. I was asked yesterday by a colleague here at Christopher Newport University if I was going to be going back to Utah for the funeral. I told her that I wasn't but that President Hinckley would be missed. I thought it interesting that she felt that I would travel back to Utah.

The day after President Hinckley died, the leader of the Greek Orthodox church also died. I have a colleague of that faith and mentioned to her that we had something in common and that I was sorry to hear of her leader's passing. She thanked me for my concern but immediately sensed that perhaps the passing of my leader would be especially meaningful to me.

Each of these people obviously has an idea that the President of our Church means a great deal to the members. Undoubtedly because of the way the media makes it clear that we consider him a prophet. Well, they are right. I must admit that the thought crossed my mind to attend the funeral. I felt close to President Hinckley even though I didn't personally know him. But, the reality is that the gathering of the Saints is to the Stakes of Zion wherever they may be. We will participate here in this Stake through the broadcast options.

President Hinckley has been called the "Prophet of the People" and how true that seems to be. It is so easy to feel as though one knows him personally without ever meeting him.

~Wade