Released: Gordon B Hinckley

We are a mostly volunteer church. We will be asked to serve in various capacities such as, a leader over primary age children or a Sunday school teacher, for a period of time. It is called a calling and then after a time we are "released" from that obligation and someone else takes over. Unless you are called as the Prophet or president of the church. Once you are called to the leadership of the church it is a lifetime calling. President Hinckley, passed away this evening at the age of 97. He has fulfilled his calling with honor and was an inspiration to everyone who came in contact with him.

I will share a few words from a talk he gave in 1995. It has helped me to be a better person, to stand a little taller and strive to be my best.

"The time has come for us to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"This is a time to be strong.

"It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth and the importance of our mission.

"It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow.

"It is a time to be found keeping the commandments.

"It is a season to reach out with kindness and love to those in distress and to those who are wandering in darkness and pain.

"It is a time to be considerate and good, decent and courteous toward one another in all our relationships. In other words, to become more Christlike."

Rest in peace President Hinckley, give Marjorie (his wife who predeceased him) a hug for me!