President Faust ~ Beloved Leader, Inspired Example



As many of you have already heard, President James E. Faust (Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) has passed away this morning. He was such a beloved leader who inspired greatness, kindness, and charity, if not to millions of people around the world, then at least to my little family here in Utah. In thinking back on the many talks that he has given that have inspired me to become better, I thought it fitting to share some of his quotes with you in his memory.

From President Faust:

On Faith:

"As we move into a new era, we have only one safe course: to press forward in faith. Faith will be our strong shield to protect us from the fiery arrows of Satan. Values should not change with time, because faith in Jesus Christ is indispensable to happiness and eternal salvation." (May 2000 Ensign)

"To sustain faith, each of us must be humble and compassionate, kind and generous to the poor and the needy. Faith is further sustained by daily doses of spirituality that come to us as we kneel in prayer. It begins with us as individuals and extends to our families, who need to be solidified in righteousness. Honesty, decency, integrity, and morality are all necessary ingredients of our faith and will provide sanctuary for our souls." (May 2000 Ensign) "Faith intensifies and magnifies our gifts and abilities. There is no greater source of knowledge than the inspiration that comes from the Godhead, who have all understanding and knowledge of that which has been, is now, and will be in the future." (May 2000 Ensign)

On Obedience

"Obedience leads to true freedom. The more we obey revealed truth, the more we become liberated." "Freedom and liberty are precious gifts that come to us when we are obedient to the laws of God and the whisperings of the Spirit. If we are to avoid destruction.... fences or guardrails must be built beyond which we cannot go. The fences which we must stay within are the principles of revealed truth. Obedience to them makes us truly free to reach the potential and the glory which our Heavenly Father has in store for us." (“Obedience: The Path to Freedom,” Ensign, May 1999, 45)

On Forgiveness

"We need to recognize and acknowledge angry feelings. It will take humility to do this, but if we will get on our knees and ask Heavenly Father for a feeling of forgiveness, He will help us. The Lord requires us "to forgive all men" for our own good because "hatred retards spiritual growth." Only as we rid ourselves of hatred and bitterness can the Lord put comfort into our hearts."("The Healing Power of Forgiveness," Ensign, May 2007, 69)

To the Young Women of the Church:

"As daughters of our Heavenly Father, each of you can be a partaker of His divine nature.⁹ It is inherent in your beings. I testify that each of you young women has special gifts from our Heavenly Father. Some of these gifts are unique to womanhood. As you cultivate these gifts, you will grow in strength, purpose, and nobility.

This is the work of God. We are all His servants. He is watching over us. He wants us to succeed. We all have some part of the holy work to accomplish, even though it may seem small and obscure." (Your Light: A Standard to All Nations, April 2006 General Conference Address)

Here is a link to the Church Newsroom article about President Faust:

http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=c629cf04ebc44110VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRD&vgnextchannel=9ae411154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD

To his family and friends we offer our heartfelt and sincerest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and with this incredible man whom so many of us have loved.