Joseph Bitner Wirthlin

I was shocked when I heard news this morning that one of the apostles of our church, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, had passed away last night.  

I love each of our church leaders... but I think that, for many reasons, we all tend to gravitate to certain ones.  Such was the case with Elder Wirthlin.  He was my favorite apostle.  As much as I loved President Hinckley, I do not think that I cried when he passed away.  But I cried for Elder Wirthlin today.  I will miss him.  But, happily, I know he is with his sweetheart again :)

I think we all had a soft spot for him, especially after his conference address last October. I will never forget when he started to shake, but unwavering, continuing onm knowing the significance of the message he was sharing.  Then, Elder Nelson approached.  He held and steadied Elder Wirthlin so that he could finish his talk. What love the Brethren have for one another!  

I mean no disrespect to any members of other denominations when I say that I have such a great love for this Church!  Though we are each empowered to receive personal revelation and know for ourselves how to act and know what is true, I am still grateful to be led by leaders who are prophets, seers, & revelators.  I truly believe that "the Lord will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7).  I am grateful for each apostle who, like Elder Wirthlin, testifies of Christ daily and leads our Church by divine inspiration.