As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have the privilege of hearing from our Prophet and other church leaders on a bi-annual basis. These meetings are called General Conference and usually fall in April and in October.
This morning as I sat in my Tantan's old room, getting dressed, I had general conference talks playing from this past October. As I watched and listened to President Monson's address from the Sunday morning session where slowly he started to lose strength and lean on the podium...I was filled with the Spirit reaffirming to me President Monson's calling as prophet, seer, and revelator. There was something so humbling to watch this man who communes with God to fall victim to mortality in front of millions of viewers. There were many responses on social media when the talk streamed live; members expressing their desires to hold him up, people questioning a church with a failing leader, others saddened by his health. My mind was drawn back to the moment I saw that talk live and I remember praying for him to gain strength, to have the ability to finish his talk, for him to be borne up in his calling, and today it hit me to think of all of those who did the very same thing! How amazing it must have been for our Father in Heaven to hear MILLIONS of prayers for the same prophet, asking for him to gain strength. The Bible Dictionary says that some prayers (or blessing) are predicated upon us asking for them...I really believe that President Monson was able to get through his talk and FIGHT the natural flow of mortality BECAUSE of God's children united in prayer, for one cause. I just really appreciate this man. His current state reminds me of King Benjamin during his last address where his strength was failing him, and he attributed is ability to address the Nephites to his God! We reference that address constantly in the church, and perhaps because this is my first time to have such a love for a prophet and watch him decline, these parallels are so profound to me. I don't want President Monson's addresses to cease, but I know there is a time and season for all things, including mortal life. You are a prophet Tommy, and I don't need to meet you to know it!
As my heart has pondered this experience this morning, I feel a great need to prepare mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for this next conference!
