Thomas Spencer Monson, who was the Prophet for nearly 10 years, died late Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
He was a good man. A lot of people didn't agree with his politics, and have written some cowardly words about him since his passing. But I have a feeling he would just have smiled and said, "It's all right." He never was mean-spirited, and I don't think there was an angry bone in his body. A good man, and someone I'd like to be a little more like.
But President Monson was no spring chicken. He turned 90 on my mom's birthday in August, but he bore a youthful, fun-loving spirit throughout his life. I remember many times listening to him in Conference and laughing at the stories he told. Inspirational, motivating, and awe-inspiring. And he passed away way too young.
For more than 50 years he served the Lord as an apostle. Most of the time he'd give a talk in Conference that lasted about 20 minutes or so. In later years, that number slipped until in April his talk lasted all of three minutes. But it was one of the most powerful testimonies he ever bore. He said, "We live in a time of great trouble and wickedness. What will protect us from the sin and evil so prevalent in the world today? I maintain that a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel will help see us through to safety. If you are not reading the Book of Mormon each day, please do so. If you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you."
I love those words. I love his testimony.
He had an incredible memory, too. When the Church expanded into East Germany, they were not allowed to bring any materials, such as Sunday School manuals, into the country. Then Apostle Monson memorized them, took them in his brain into the country, and typed them out so all could use them.
He told stories from his youth, and always had a great quote or two to spread. He said, "The principles of living greatly include the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and trial with humility." He also said, "Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God's approval," and "Work will win when wishy washy wishing won't."
I love Thomas S. Monson, and I feel myself privileged to have been alive during his presidency.
