My son was scrolling through his feed last night when he shared that Pres. Nelson had died. I couldn't believe it. I mean he was 101 years old, I guess I knew this day would come. But I wasn't prepared for it. My heart still sorrowed knowing he wouldn't be at the next conference with the perfect message I needed to hear. Even my son said, "Surely he wrote his talk already, maybe they'll still play it. " He echoed my own heart's desire.
Pres. Nelson led with love, love that was real and emanated from the Savior. A couple of years ago we took our young women from our church to general conference in Salt Lake City, Utah to hear the messages from our church leaders and see the prophet, Pres. Nelson. Only he wasn't at the two sessions before us. I began to worry that he would not be at conference at all. Here we had driven 10 hours to have this experience to see a prophet and have the girls feel how strongly the spirit is there when the prophet is there.
So we did what was in our power to do, we prayed and then drove to conference. Sitting in our balcony seats, we could still make out the church leaders as they walked in. but no Pres. Nelson. Then in came 3 wheelchairs with general authorities being wheeled in. One of them was Pres. Nelson. The conference center full of 20,000 people went quiet in a reverential hush. No one said to do that, no sign was given, It just happened automatically with everyone there at the same time, this sacred power filled the room and all were drawn to his presence. Surely this was a man of God.
Once they got him situated in his seat. He smiled at the audience and waved, we were way up high in our balcony seating, , but we could still see him. He then made a heart with both of his hands pressed together and methodically began at the far corner of the conference center and moved his hands across the entire congregation showing his love. Something magical happened when his heart shaped hands moved across me, I felt this wave of love, so overpowering that tears fell down my face. Was this just me? I looked at my young women next to me and asked if they felt that? They shook their head yes. All who have eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts to feel, could not miss the Love of the Lord that radiated from this man.
Having the Lord hear our prayers and have the prophet attend our session despite his challenges at the time and feel the Lord's love through Him was a powerful experience I will never forget. Although that strengthened my testimony that the Prophet is a man of God and does His work. What really has changed me is the spirit I feel each time He taught us.
I could go on for pages about how his spirit filled words have impacted my life. But it would take too long, so I'll just add some of my favorite quotes that instigated needed changes.
Pres. Russell M. Nelson was the best among us. He was indeed the Lord's prophet. He has impacted my life for good. I know He was welcomed home with open arms and those longed for words , "Well done thy good and faithful servant."
May we continue the path that leads to Christ, the one Pres. Nelson has so lovingly taught and so extensively walked. I love you Pres. Nelson, thank you for everything.