Gordon B. Hinckley...

I'm sure I won't be the only one to post this, but for those of you who haven't heard, our dear Prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley has passed away. The news reports he died around 7pm surrounded by his family. I find comfort in knowing he is again surrounded by other family members, including his darling wife, in the hereafter.

As I searched the web to find the news story, I came across a surprising number of comments written by individuals who showed an egregious amount of cynicism and scorn towards our belated prophet. It is not appropriate, at any time, to mock the dead or to be cruel because you lack conviction or understanding. Throughout time people have sacrificed all they had, even their own lives, so others could be free to pursue their own beliefs, their own faith. Have we learned nothing from their sacrifices? How is it we have forgotten to be accepting of others? Why do we still persecute others because of their beliefs, because they don't see things the way we do? Does it make us better people when we are spiteful and disparaging of others? In my opinion it only makes us weaker, more vulnerable to the advisary. It strips away our ability to feel love and kindness, to appreciate the tender mercies of a loving Heavenly Father.

Gordon B. Hinckley devoted his life to serving others, not just those of his faith. He was a kind and humble man, a respected man. He deserves that same respect even now.

I feel joy knowing our prophet is in a better place...a place free from the pessimism of this world. He has work to do on the other side that he will no doubt do joyfully, with the same spirit of love and devotion he had while he served on this earth.

I pray there will be compassion and love in each of our hearts, regardless of our religious affiliations or beliefs, as we collectively mourn the passing of this great man.