Throughout over 25 years of marriage, Sister Kristen M. Oaks has witnessed President Dallin H. Oaks’s Church service on a deeply personal level.
In a recent interview for the Church News podcast, Sister Oaks spoke with guest host Sheri Dew about what she’s learned from watching her husband take on the prophetic mantle. During the interview, Sheri posed the following question: “If you had to pick [a few words] that you think define your husband, what would they be?”
Here are four of the words that Sister Oaks used to describe President Oaks.
“Wise”
First, Sister Oaks spoke about President Oaks’s wisdom.
“He is so wise,” she said. “He’s careful about what he says, what he doesn’t say. … It’s a gift, and he sees danger from afar.”
She shared that President Oaks felt prompted to cultivate more prudence around his words during the beginning of his apostolic ministry. During a speaking assignment in New Zealand, he made several jokes over the pulpit.
“He loves to laugh, and … he’s very entertaining,” Sister Oaks explained. “When he sat down [from speaking], after everyone was laughing hysterically, the Spirit said, ‘Never do that again.’
“And so, you see, my husband … is so serious and so directed, but he feels like he was given that instruction.”
Sheri commented that she believes this spiritual gift has enabled President Oaks to address some of the most critical and complicated topics in the last 20 years. “Some of the pivotal, classic addresses in our culture are ones he has given,” she suggested.
“Kind”
Next, Sister Oaks described the prophet’s kindness. “He’s kind, very kind,” she said. “He has to be to put up with me.”
She shared that President Oaks deeply loves people and described him as a supportive husband, father, and grandfather who respects his children’s agency.
“He does not insert himself into people’s lives unless they ask—he respects who they are,” she said. “He’s a good man.”
“Patient” and “Devoted”
Finally, Sister Oaks used the words “patient” and “devoted” to characterize her husband: “He’s really patient, and he’s devoted, especially to his family and to people that he loves.”
The prophet’s wife shared that, in addition to his dedication to his family, he has been deeply devoted to serving the Church in his callings. “He always tries to do what’s right,” she said. “He doesn’t ever cut a corner. … He was such a good counselor to President Nelson because he saw all the wonderful things he did, and he was totally supportive.”
While many people recognize President Oaks’s spiritual gift for teaching doctrine over the pulpit, Sister Oaks says that he also exudes warmth and is not judgmental. “When he gives his talks, you know exactly where he stands. But when you’re with him in private, he would be so compassionate and so caring.”
She says this combination of skills makes him an excellent confidant and advisor when you’re seeking counsel. “I think if people really spent time with him, they would be amazed. They would befriend him, and they would run to him for help.”
Visit the Church News to listen to the full interview with Sister Oaks.
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