A
Prophet Called of God
By
Vickey Pahnke-Taylor
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Today’s column
is my opportunity to bear my testimony
concerning the reality of prophets upon
the earth today. Although I do not remember
my pre-mortal existence (I may not even
remember some things that happened last
month!), I know we are children of a Father
who lives in heaven. I know that
Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.
I know that the Holy Ghost is called to
witness, to testify, and to teach us through
that still, small voice. And I know that
we have a prophet who lives and leads
us upon the earth at this time.
I have never personally met President
Gordon B. Hinckley. But when he speaks
at conference, and looks into the camera,
it is as though he looks right at me.
His words are clear, genuine, filled with
power and bursting with love. He speaks
truth. He desires us to better know the
scriptures, better communicate through
prayer, better serve in our branches and
wards, more closely align ourselves with
godliness.
This past
weekend as we watched general conference
in our living room, we glanced nervously
at one another when President Hinckley
was not slated to speak at the beginning
of the proceedings. We got more nervous
when he did not speak at the conclusion,
and more anxious when we were not blessed
to hear from him at the second session.
It was music to my husband’s ears when
our prophet stood to address the men at
priesthood session. When President Hinckley
spoke at Sunday’s session, the tears could
not be contained. We wept in gratitude
to see our beloved leader and hear his
words. Knowing that he is now dealing
with difficult health issues, we rejoiced
(!!) to listen to his voice and see him
smile as he spoke with candor and kindness,
insight and reflection.
We love him!
He sustain him. We do our best to obey
him. We pray for him and his counselors
and all those who work with him. As we
continue to listen and learn from our
prophet, our testimony of his divine calling
grows.
“The Lord
knows whom He wants to preside over His
Church, and he never makes a mistake.”
(Joseph F. Smith) From each prophet, since
the world began, there has been a specific
work for each leader to accomplish. Examples:
- Moses,
as prophet, had the job of leading his
people out of bondage.
- Noah,
as prophet, had the task of preaching
repentance lest they go under (literally).
- Peter
had the job of reminding us that we
should quietly seek for the most
elect blessings as we strive for
godly attributes (see 2 Peter)
- Moroni
was charged with keeping the sacred
records safe
- Jacob
brilliantly used parables to teach doctrine
- Alma was
a master of making principles-like Faith-
seem real (see Alma 32)
There is
no mistaking that our prophet was called
of, and is sustained by, God. Today the
prophet who stands at the head of this
church, having the mantel of authority
and acting as mouthpiece of the Lord,
is Gordon B. Hinckley. The words he shares
with us are vitally important for us to
hear, ponder, and act upon. Building upon
work of prophets before him, he presently
leads us out of spiritual bondage, reminds
us to be prepared, leads by example the
way to more Christ-like behavior, draws
attention to the importance of sacred
family records (genealogy and temple work),
and shows by example the blessing of keeping
personal records. He is a master of teaching
— so much so that when we are watching
from far away, or reading in print his
words, the principles become more real.
Go online
and re-read President Hinckley’s words
from last week. Read and ponder them
when your copy of the Ensign comes.
There is peace and happiness in following
our beloved leader. Celebrate the blessing
of having a prophet called of God!
