Comments on: Face of a Prophet

By: Emily M.

Emily M. — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:58:09 +0000

Maddison, I’m glad you read it too . When I wrote this I wondered if anyone else would see the same thing I did. It’s been sweet to me to read of all those who also witnessed President Monson’s very real transformation from Apostle to Prophet. I think this is one of those experiences that I will always remember, that will bring me strength when I’m struggling. So glad you commented.

By: Maddison

Maddison — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:32:22 +0000

Oh I am so glad to have read this post, Sister. I too have been missing President Hinckley, and even though I’ve always loved President Monson, it’s been hard for me to let go too. But I have a strong testimony that President Monson is the Prophet of the Lord and I am so grateful to have witnessed it (that was the first time I’ve seen, and participated in a Prophet being sustained – I am a fairly new convert). But again, thank you, Sister, for this post, I am glad to see that I’m not the only one who’s still having a bit of a tough time. I also saw the look on President Monson’s face that you’re speaking of and felt the same way… I am so grateful for the Restoration of the Gospel, Sisters!

By: Cheri

Cheri — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:36:09 +0000

The first time I recognized the mantle of a calling was when I saw it lift off from the beloved bishop of my childhood. As an adult, I watched it rest on our current bishop when he was called. One week he was a good guy with a great sense of humor. The next week he was The Bishop who has a great sense of humor. Emily, don’t discount your description of the countenance, because that is where we see it, that weight and love and acceptance. Those are good words, Emily. It was good, so good, for me to see on President Monson. It was a boost my testimony really needed. That’s right. We have prophets. The do speak for the Lord. This is His church.

By: Shelah

Shelah — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:41:13 +0000

I too have been missing President Hinckley, and although I don’t think I realized it fully, had dug my heels in a little bit at the idea of accepting someone new up there, even if that someone was President Monson. I’ll admit that I only had about 20% of my attention to give during his Sunday Morning session talk, but during Sunday Afternoon, tears streaming down my face and the kids all calling for me from the downstairs, I felt like I was falling in love with him and finally accepting him as our new prophet.

By: Brooke

Brooke — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:15:43 +0000

i thought the same thing when elder holland said “the mantle!” i was thinking, “THAT’S IT! that’s what changed…”

By: eljee

eljee — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 03:45:03 +0000

I’ve always loved President Monson, but I’ve always thought of him more as a storyteller, while others did the heavy doctrinal work. That perception completely changed today. Of course he still told stories (which I love!), but not as many–it was much more about giving counsel. I definitely noticed the mantle!

By: Emily M.

Emily M. — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 02:56:43 +0000

Thanks for sharing your experiences with conference, everyone. Keep them coming!

Kathy, absolutely. Especially that last talk. So amazing. I also loved what Elder Holland said about watching the mantel of the prophet descend on President Monson. It’s much more than just an “expression on his face like President Hinckley’s” as I wrote here last night. It’s the mantel of the prophet, and the more I heard him speak, the more I felt it.

By: Kathryn Soper

Kathryn Soper — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 02:51:31 +0000

I thought conference would be kinda like going to a party knowing your best friend wouldn’t be there. But it wasn’t that way at all. Fascinating and comforting and wonderful to see the change in Pres. Monson.

By: Brooke

Brooke — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 14:50:35 +0000

i was crying too. i kept thinking of the story about how when brigham young became the second prophet and everyone in attendance said he just took on the visage/countenance of joseph smith, and they knew he was the next prophet.

that’s how i’ve felt about president monson. i just knew, and it was because of his face. he’s just taken on this look.

yesterday was just sublime. i will never forget standing in my family room, with all my kids, sleep still in our eyes, raising our hands… amazing.

By: Dalene

Dalene — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 14:15:31 +0000

Yes. I had kids who wanted to play Nintendo next to the TV on which we were watching conference. But I also enjoyed watching the second session in peace right next to my oldest son who sat there and took notes. Eventually they get it and he, at least, gets it a lot earlier than I admittedly did.

And yes to this…”a kind of weighty, loving acceptance of his responsibility. It was good, very good, to see President Monson wearing it.”

I saw it too and it made the transition much easier than I expected.

Your post reminded me of when, alsmot 20 years ago, I rode up the elevator at UVRMC with President Monson. I was nine months pregnant with my first child–the son I mentioned above–and was going to look at the babies in the nursery (back in the day when you could do that). He spoke with me and my husband–and in that way the general authorities have, found a way to connect with us personally. Then he wished us well with the baby and went on his way. I’d completely forgotten about it until I read your post.