Latter-day Saint Life

Senator Hatch Honors President Monson on Senate Floor: "He Emulated Jesus Christ in Every Particular"

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On the Senate floor Monday, Senator Orrin Hatch paid tribute to President Thomas S. Monson, his "dear friend" and "a beloved leader whose love of God and his fellow men defined a lifetime of selfless service."

Senator Hatch spoke of our prophet as "an extraordinary man" with "boundless charity . . . who we have looked on as a prophet, seer, and revelator." Senator Hatch joined the ranks of Senators Jeff Flake and Mike Lee who honored President Monson's life on the Senate floor last week.

One of the defining characteristics of President Monson was his selfless service, Hatch noted, "Whether as a prophet or an apostle, a mission president or a friend, President Monson simply took care of people."

Senator Hatch spoke of how President Monson's parents taught the future prophet the virtue of charity during the Great Depression, sharing one ofPresident Monson's holiday memories of giving up his prized rabbit to a friend so his family could have something to eat that day. Senator Hatch spoke of President Monson's time as a bishop and how he personally visited 84 widows in his ward each Christmas, one by one, staying in touch and visiting them over the years and finally speaking at each of their funerals.

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Senator Hatch Honors President Thomas S. Monson

"President Monson's example of intimate, individual ministry underscored what was most remarkable about his leadership. Although he presided over a church of millions, his focus was always on the one. Although tasked with making administrative decisions affecting thousands of people the world over, his lifelong commitment was to serving individuals in need," Senator Hatch said. "He was perhaps the greatest living example of Christ's admonition to find the one lost sheep who has gone astray."

Summing up President Monson's life of devotion to serving Church members, Senator Hatch then shared a quote from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin: "Tom has given everything to those people, including the shirt off his back. I mean it! I’ve seen him give away his suits and his shirts and his shoes."

Senator Hatch continued, "President Monson was one of the greatest men I have ever known. Service was his motto and humility his hallmark. Countless were the lives he touched as a prophet, father, and friend. He emulated Jesus Christ in every particular, helping all of us draw closer to God by drawing us all closer to each other."

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