Presdient Hinckley

I had the opportunity to hear President Hinckley in person a handful of times as a student and BYU, at the BYU Jerusalem Center, at Women’s Conference in Salt Lake City. I am thankful that several times at BYU the congregation sang "We Thank Thee Oh, God for a Prophet” when he entered the basketball arena. (I have since learned that the congregation does not sing to him at every meeting. I was surprised at first, but I guess if we sang to him every time he came into a room he wouldn't get anything done.)

At BYU, if you were not early to the President Hinckley devotional, you might not have a seat. As it was, I was sitting in the "nose-bleed" section, feeling like if I made a little jump my head would hit the ceiling. I knew when the prophet had walked in because a permeable spirit entered the room and the whole crowd rose to its feet and began to sing. I was astonished that one man could carry a spirit that would reach me across a basketball court and into the rafters. After a few seconds, President Hinckley's face appeared on the Jumbo-Tron. To my further amazement, President Hinckely had joined in the singing. Here was a man who leads millions and who is admired and revered by all the church, singing his praises to the Lord. I was overwhelmed by the humility of someone who was in such a seemingly powerful position. I learned from him that at any moment, we can show gratitude for the endless influence of Heavenly Father in our lives.