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!