Rest in peace, President Monson

This morning around 6 AM our time, Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, our living prophet, passed away at the age of 90. He had visibly aged in the last year and was clearly at ease to finally return to his loved ones: Jesus Christ and his wife Frances.

For me, President Monson will always be etched in my memory. After all, he was the prophet when I chose to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, my first spiritual leader. His warmth always appealed to me. So did his life story.

He was always a man of God. Already as a child, he gave his rabbit, which he had lovingly cared for, to his neighbor boy because they too could eat something savory for once. He was always concerned about serving others. His life lessons have influenced us forever.

Of his many sayings, two are very dear to me. First, “caring for another is always more important than a meeting.” I myself have already used that lesson while leading as a quorum president. I have skipped meetings (and our church loves meetings, I can tell you that) to visit someone who needed something. I will always continue to use that lesson.

Secondly, “dare to stand alone in holy places.” I am by nature already a non-conformist, but I have resolved to always honestly and steadfastly stand up for what I believe. Albeit with great respect for those who believe differently or not, but I will always stand up for my faith in God. Witness this blog or opinion pieces elsewhere on the web.

At the same time, I always hope to keep my humor. Thomas S. Monson himself showed me that you don't always have to be super serious to be taken seriously. If I have to choose from the hundreds of beautiful videos about President Monson, I particularly choose this one:

Some people might think that something like this does not fit a prophet of God, but a prophet is above all a human, like us. I love President Monson precisely because he did not consider himself more important than anyone else.

For those who are surprised that I speak of a prophet: yes, Mormons believe that we still have a living prophet. The apostle with the longest service, is the president of our church and is our living prophet. A prophet speaks on behalf of God and speaks with God. For me, it is a strength that our church is still led by Jesus Christ, who does not abandon us and sends prophets to us.

President Monson, I would say “rest in peace”, but I know that you are already at work up here serving people. Forever I hold you and your lessons in my heart.