The Prophet is Dead. Long live the Prophet!

The outpouring of emotions and tributes to President Hinckley have been impressive and a reflection of his impact on members of the Church.  It seems like it’s almost too soon to declare, “The Prophet is Dead. Long live the Prophet!” and welcome a new Church President.  But the work goes on.  But just before the new First Presidency is announced, here are some parting items on President Hinckley:

• Mark Brown does well to remind us that for all of President Hinckley’s optimism, he regulary had to face the heavy burdens of the church which “Neal A. Maxwell described as ’staring into the abyss.’”:
  

  If there was anyone on earth who understood how very frail and imperfect latter-day saints are, it was brother Hinckley. He had a right, more than anyone else, to complain about the demands the church makes and to take a cynical view.

• The Church has posted online a new online to President Gordon B. Hinckley tribute at http://www.gordonbhinckley.com/.  North Temple has the credits and background on who made it possible. Sounds like they did a great job with very little time.
• I liked Kim Siever’s poem, “Hinckley.”
• You can get free sheet music for the hymn the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang at the funeral which was penned by President Hinckley and music by Janice Kapp Perry. Go to Mullings and Musings for instructions.
• And don’t forget the Hinckley Challenge.