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Standing For Something, Gordon B. Hinckley

Updated on September 18, 2012

New York Times Bestseller

In the year 2000, a book was written and published that soared to the top of the charts and even made it to the New York Times Bestseller list, it was titled, Standing for Something; 10 Neglected Virtues That Will Heal our Hearts and Homes. Gordon B. Hinckley, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was the author of this masterful discourse, which was written just before he reached his ninetieth birthday. His self description as written is as follows:

 

Gordon B. Hinckley, a man of God.

"In fact, I still feel young, with a love for life and its challenges and pleasures. My life has been rich because it has been filled with problems to solve and associations to savor. I have wrestled with dilemmas large and small. I have known something of discouragement and, on a few occasions, have felt the exhilaration of achievement. I feel a great sense of gratitude of the marvelous and generous blessings of the Almighty."

Gordon B. Hinckley was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which was awarded to him on June 23, 2004 at the White House.

The Time Has Come to Stand A Littler Taller.

Standing For Something

Gordon B. Hinckley
Gordon B. Hinckley

The Secularization of America, the downfall of a nation.

In the book we are shown that because of his position in a church that is a worldwide organization, President Hinckley has had an opportunity to extensively travel throughout the world; he states that he loves all people everywhere regardless of nationality, sex, creed, or color. With that being said, he expresses his love for his own home, that of the United States of America, and reiterates his love for the founding fathers and the constitution of this nation. After professing his love for his country, in the introduction of his book, which he calls, The Secularization of America, he also gives a profound warning:

"We are forgetting God, whose commandments we have neglected and in some cases forgotten, and which we seem reluctant- or too undisciplined- to obey. In too many ways, we have substituted human sophistry for the wisdom of the Almighty.

America is still strong, but destructive forces have been and are at work. There is a serious unsteadiness in our country's stance in terms of morality, ethics, principles, and behavior. We as a people and a nation have increasingly neglected and abandoned time-honored virtues that have been proven through the centuries to keep human beings individually, and therefore collectively, strong."

Remedy of Hope

After outlining many of the ills that face our nation today, President Hinckley gives a remedy of hope.

"Healing in our hearts and in our homes, and subsequently throughout society, will begin to occur when we individually and collectively return to the code of ethics and the canons of divine truth that our honored forefathers lived by."

He outlines in his book, this code of ethics, by way of the following ten virtues:

1) Love: The Lodestar of Life

Love is the only force that can erase the differences between people or bridge the chasms of bitterness.

2) Honesty: Where There Is Honesty, Other Virtues Will Follow

In our day, those found in dishonesty aren't put to death, but something within them dies. Conscience chokes, character withers, self-respect vanishes, integrity dies. How cheaply some men and women sell their good names!

3) Making a Case for Morality

Both experience and divine wisdom dictate that moral virtue and cleanliness pave the way that leads to strength of character, peace of mind and heart, and happiness in life.

4) Our Fading Civility

Civility carries with it the essence of courtesy, politeness, and consideration of others. All of the education and accomplishments in the world will not count for much unless they are accompanied by marks of gentility, of respect for others, of going the extra mile.

5) Learning: "With All Thy Getting Get Understanding"

No matter how old we become, we can acquire knowledge and use it. We can gather wisdom and profit from it. We can grow and progress and improve- and, in the process, strengthen the lives of those within our circle of influence.

6) The Twin Virtues of Forgiveness and Mercy

Hatred always fails and bitterness always destroys. Are there virtues more in need of application in our day, a time marked by litigious proceedings and heated exchanges, than those of forgiving, forgetting, and extending mercy to those who may have wronged us or let us down?

7) Thrift and Industry: Getting Our Houses in Order

I commend to all the virtues of industry and thift, which I believe go hand in hand. The Labor and thrift of the people make a nation, a community, or a family strong. Work and thrift make the family independent.

8) Gratitude: A Sign of Maturity

Gratitude is the beginning of civility, of decency and goodness, of a recognition that we cannot afford to be arrogant. We should walk with the knowledge that we will need help every step of the way.

9) Optimism in the Face of Cynicism

My plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we "accentuate the positive." I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort.

10) Faith: Our Only Hope

Great buildings were never constructed on uncertain foundations. Great causes were never brought to success by vacillating leaders. Faith has always been , and always must be, at the root of any meaningful practice and endeavor.

The Guardians of Virtue, marriage and the family.

Gordon B. Hinckley then concludes his book by talking about the two institutions which he calls, "The Guardians of Virtue." These are commonly known as marriage, and the family. With the sanctity of both of these at stake, he warns adamantly that if these are not preserved it will be the downfall of our nation.

The Loneliness of Moral Leadership

In leadership, in standing for principle, there is loneliness.  But men and women of integrity must live with their convictions.  Unless they do so, they are miserable.
In leadership, in standing for principle, there is loneliness. But men and women of integrity must live with their convictions. Unless they do so, they are miserable.

In Remembrance

In memory of this great man, and prophet of God, Gordon B. Hinckley, I could find no better way to pay tribute to him than to publish the ideals that made him so incredible. For myself, the manner in which I apply his teachings will be my personal tribute to show the vast amount of respect for I have for him, and the position he holds, as a prophet of the Lord. He will be missed, but not forgotten. His teachings and his words will live forever.

Glenn Beck Tribute to Gordon B. Hinckley

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