A Modern Day Prophet

Gordon B. Hinckley was a beloved prophet in our time. I certainly count myself among those who had a deep appreciation, admiration, respect and love of this man of God. He had a way of speaking that made me know I was a loved Child of God and inspired a desire within me to do more and be more at the same time. My heart was heavy when he passed from this earthly life.

I understood from my knowledge of the church that Thomas S. Monson was in line to become the next Prophet, Seer and Revelator, but I could not feel it. I was not ready to embrace a new mouthpiece of the Lord. My husband and I had the opportunity to go the Conference Center that first Saturday of General Conference after President Hinckley’s passing – when President Monson was sustained. When asked, I raised my hand in sustaining vote along with everyone else, but even then I did not have a testimony of this man as the Prophet of the church. Yet, I believed that it would come. I supported him and listened to him. In General Conferences since then, I longed for that elusive testimony and it didn’t come. I would listen to the Lord’s anointed with rapture and yet still leave conference saddened that I had not gained the one testimony for which I had hoped. It has been years now since President Monson became our Modern Day Prophet.

A couple of weeks ago, I attended the Women’s Relief Society General Meeting. I was reluctant to go initially but, after some encouraging counsel from my husband, I went. The dinner and socializing with other LDS sisters was wonderful. The addresses given were inspired and thoughtful.

 Then came time for President Monson’s closing remarks. And suddenly there it was. My testimony of this man of God. I could see the lines of concern etched across his face. A little grayer hair. The weight of responsibility for the church. I saw the overall aged look of someone carrying the prophetic mantle. In that moment I no longer just believed – I knew this was a man called of God to lead His children on the earth. Oh the joy that swelled within my heart!! The tears that ran down my cheek! I have once again been reminded that faith does indeed grow of out of a mustard seed and blossoms into the fruit of testimony!