President Gordon B. Hinckley was such a force for good in my
life while he was alive and it was wonderful to read so many of his marvelous
talks. He is the voice of optimism in my
head and I could still hear his voice even as I read his words cheerfully
saying to trust in the Lord and that everything would work out. It was wonderful to read so many of his
addresses to people in foreign countries and to see the love he had for them,
particularly for those in Asia. It was
wonderful to read a talk he gave in Africa as he talked about the blessings of
the temple and then at the end of the talk, announced that a temple was being
built in those members’ land. I loved
the words he had for the youth and the missionaries. Who can forget his “be-attitiudes” talk? It
was wonderful to read the talk in which he says my personal theme for the 2016
year: You can be excellent in every way. You can be
first class. There is no need for you to be a scrub. Respect yourself. Do not
feel sorry for yourself. Do not dwell on unkind things others may say about
you. Polish and refine whatever talents the Lord has given you. Go forward in
life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great and
strong purpose in your heart. Love life and look for its opportunities.
I love this great man of
God and hope to one day thank him for all the good he did me. I know he was a prophet of God and that he is
doing a great work on the other side!
