Our Beloved Prophet

Many people have posted about the death of President Gordon B. Hinckley. I also want to mention it for journaling purposes. I have a very vivid memory of the first time that I saw President Hinckley face-to-face. I was singing in the choir at the Tabernacle, in the very last session of General Conference before they moved it to the Conference Center. We were singing a warm-up hymn while waiting for everyone to finish getting seated, and suddenly as we were singing (High on a Mountain Top) I felt overcome by the Spirit. It felt like my heart was literally growing in size, and before I knew what was going on, we were all on our feet, welcoming the Prophet into the Tabernacle. We stood and continued to sing as he waved and smiled to us, and tried to get us to take our seats. If any of you have ever sung in the Tabernacle choir seats, you know that it's not a very big building (compared to the Conference Center) and I was literally about 20 feet away from him. I remember him scanning over the choir with his big optimistic smile, and when I made eye contact with him, tears started streaming down my face and I couldn't even sing. The Spirit testified to me that I was in the presence of the Prophet of the Living God. It's a hard feeling to describe, but I will never forget the powerful witness that I received on that occasion that truly Gordon B. Hinckley was our Prophet, and that he spoke with God.
On another occasion, I was listening to him speak to the youth of the church while sitting in the Conference Center. He said he felt inspired to leave us with a prayer, and immediately everyone bowed their heads as he began to pray. That prayer has been spoken of many times. He prayed so earnestly for the welfare of the youth of the world. He prayed that we would be protected against evil, that we would be faithful, and that we would stay close to the Lord. As he finished his prayer there wasn't a dry eye in sight. The Spirit of God filled the entire Conference Center, and I believe was felt by all those who heard or read that prayer at a later time.
How I love this good man. I am so happy that he is with his dear wife again. He will be missed, but I am grateful to know that he is in a wonderful place.