Our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson has passed away at the age of 90 years.
Thomas S. Monson
My youngest daughter cried at the news of his passing. He was our prophet for almost 10 years, she does not remember any other prophet. Of course, she loved him! We all did! President Monson taught through his stories and personal experiences. He was kind and so very, very genuine!
I remember sitting in a devotional when he accidentally slipped up with a “d—n” … he put his hand over his mouth and quickly said, “I’m sorry. They won’t be happy I did that … But then, they weren’t in the navy like I was!” Everyone laughed and, at that moment, I felt more connected to him than ever!
He was imperfect, and he loved the Lord perfectly. He gave the Lord everything he had—always looking to serve others. His genuine love was exemplified through service—He LOVED people. Every time President Monson spoke, you could feel that love.
In October 2015, President Monson spoke in one of his last public appearances. He reminded me what my purpose, as a disciple of Christ, was. I am here to serve in every aspect of my life. I am to do, as President Monson did: give everything I have to the Lord.
“We become examples of the believers by living the gospel of Jesus Christ in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. As we do so, our lights will shine for others to see. Each of us came to earth having been given the Light of Christ. As we follow the example of the Savior and live as He lived and as He taught, that light will burn within us and will light the way for others.”
Simply DO what we believe! It sounds so simple, yet life and the actions of those around us cause us to, too easily, forget. President Monson’s kind, forthright words remind us to do better, be better.
Attributes 1 & 2: BEING AN EXAMPLE IN WORD AND IN CONVERSATION
Thomas S. Monson speaking in LDS General Conference.
“The words we use can lift and inspire, or they can harm and demean. Let us speak to others with love and respect, ever keeping our language clean and avoiding words or comments that would wound or offend. May we follow the example of the Savior, who spoke with tolerance and kindness throughout His ministry.”
Attribute 3: CHARITY, THE PURE LOVE OF CHRIST
“I am confident there are within our sphere of influence those who are lonely, those who are ill, and those who feel discouraged. Ours is the opportunity to help them and to lift their spirits. The Savior brought hope to the hopeless and strength to the weak. … Throughout His ministry, He reached out in charity to any in need. As we emulate His example, we will bless lives, including our own.”
Attribute 4: SPIRIT
“[W]e strive to have in our lives kindness, gratitude, forgiveness, and goodwill. These qualities will provide for us a spirit which will touch the lives of those around us.”
Attribute 5: FAITH
“To be an example of faith means that we trust in the Lord and in His word. It means that we possess and that we nourish the beliefs that will guide our thoughts and our actions.”
Attribute 6: PURITY OF HEART
“Our minds should be filled with uplifting and ennobling thoughts and kept free from those things which will pollute. In order to have the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we must be worthy. Brothers and sisters, purity will bring us peace of mind and will qualify us to receive the Savior’s promises. Said He, ‘Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.’”
To read more of Emlee Taylor’s Missionary Mom moments, click here.
We love you, President Monson. May our lives reflect the lessons you taught through your words and throughout your life. We will miss your light shining among us and may our own lights shine brighter as we live your words.
“My brothers and sisters, our opportunities to shine surround us each day, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light in the lives of others, whether they be our own family members and friends, our co-workers, mere acquaintances, or total strangers.”
*For President Monson’s complete talk, please visit:
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/be-an-example-and-a-light?lang=eng
Growing up all over the world gave Emlee Taylor an opportunity to see the incredible differences the Lord created in humanity; and even better, the passions we all share as members of the human race: love for family, faith, & a desire to make a difference.
Emlee lives life with passion—focusing her time now on raising four children and teaching them to recognize truth and to live true to that truth, regardless of others’ expectations. Emlee is passionately in love with her bestest friend and husband of more than 20 years.
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