Wherefore By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them

In light of his passing on the evening of Sunday, January 27, this past week I have read and listened to many touching tributes to President Gordon B. Hinckley, who served, it seemed tirelessly, as our dear prophet for the past (almost) 13 years.

As we reflected on this humble man's teachings and testimony for our FHE last week, I asked each of us to share what we remember about him.

• Brian shared an experience from his days singing with the Mormon Youth Chorus. President Hinckley visited the choir in the Tabernacle to announce to them that it would be disbanded. Before he stepped down, President Hinckley shared with them that he had always wanted to direct a choir. What else are you going to do?! Of course, let him lead! So, there he stood, that little man, arms held up high, bouncing very slightly, leading the choir. I don't think there were many dry eyes in the room.


• I shared that his love and patience is such a powerful example to me. He showed us to love one another as Jesus Christ does. His patience, as he endured aging and sickness, especially without his sweetheart for the last four years of his life, while he served the Lord by serving the world is absolutely amazing by any standard.


• Whitney shared that he taught us what to by talking with the Lord and telling us what is right.

We talked about some of his legacies, including:

• Directing the most intense temple building program in the history of the church, making the blessings of the temple available to more people than ever before.
• Sharing with the world the six "B's": Be grateful, be smart, be clean, be true, be humble, and be prayerful.
• His deep love and appreciation for the scriptures, and his challenge to us to read them, especially the Book of Mormon.
• His and Sister Hinckley's example of a happy, healthy, eternal marriage.

And of course, his most important legacy to the world, his testimony of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I believe, if nothing else, President Hinckley would want us to remember his undeniable witness of our Lord and Savior, and to come unto Him.

It is true that we shall know them by their fruits, and this man did so much good with his life. I know he is still performing good works.

"Be believing. Be happy. Don’t get discouraged. Things will work out." - President Gordon B. Hinckley