Remembering Elder Richard G. Scott

Yesterday, the funeral services for Elder Richard G. Scott were held.  I watched them late last night before going to bed and am now ready to write this post.  On the evening of the 22nd, after everyone had gone to bed, I went on the internet to check up on any news stories I might be interested in reading.  When I clicked on to the Deseret News website, the first story to hit me was this one announcing Elder Scott's death.  Three apostles in four months have now completed their mortal ministry.  I was taken aback; not because of the suddenness of Elder Scott’s passing (he’s been in poor health for over a year now—we haven’t heard a Conference address from him since April 2014), but because of the timing.  We are a little over a week and a half away from the October General Conference and have lost another member of the Quorum of the Twelve.  Since I started really paying attention to conference, I have seen the calling of two new Apostles at the same time a couple of times (1984 and 2004), but never three at one time.

I have reacted differently to the passing of each of these brethren.  With Elder Perry I reminisced about his tie to Cokeville and how I was privileged to be in his presence on several occasions while I lived there (and, I didn't mention this, but one of those meetings was during a visit to Cokeville with Jennifer, Ben and Isaac during Cokeville's Pioneer Day celebration; all three of them were able to shake his hand ☺).  President Packer's passing brought memories of how several of his talks impacted my youth and how he continued to impact me as an adult.  Now, as I sit and ponder Elder Scott's influence, I find my thoughts first turning to the visit that didn't happen.  Several years ago (earlier 2010, I think), it was announced that Elder Scott would be our General Authority visitor for stake conference.  The announcement was electric.  For several weeks, the anticipation built.  How exciting it was to contemplate the opportunity to be taught be an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ during those two days.  But then, about two weeks before Stake conference would begin, it was announced that Elder Scott had been re-assigned.

The feeling was like watching the visiting team score the winning touchdown as the build-up of anticipation popped. Our general authority visitor became Elder Christopher Waddell who is now a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, but, at the time, was our Area Authority Seventy in the Fifth Quorum of the Seventy.  His first comment to us in the Priesthood leadership session of the conference was something to the effect of: "I'm sure it wasn't me you were waiting to hear from today."  Elder Waddell went on to teach us in all the sessions very capably.  In fact, some of the things he talked to us about made its way into his first conference address (specifically about missionary work and the story of the Elder from Spain who was sent to a mission in Arizona and how his coming helped the man who had baptized the Elder's father years before).  I appreciated his words and his presence at the conference, but just the anticipation of being visited and taught be an Apostle was an amazing thing.

Elder Scott had such a kind, gentle demeanor, yet, he also had a way of looking into the camera with his piercing blue eyes while he spoke that made me feel as though he was talking directly to me and searching my soul at the same time.  His talks could be so personal; designed for individuals and yet accessible to all who listened to them or read them.  I recall one time being prompted by the Spirit to turn to one of Elder Scott's conference talks during an emotionally charged family situation before I was married that answered or countered every question or statement being made in that gathering.  I know I would have been totally inadequate to say those things the way Elder Scott had expressed them.

I also liked the examples or analogies he used in his talks.  In talking about catching fire spiritually, Elder Scott used an example of "a mixture of aluminum powder and metal oxide" (Ensign, May 1989, 35).  He continued, "By itself, it is cold and lifeless, but when heated to the ignition temperature, it becomes a self-sustaining source of brilliant light and intense heat. Once it ignites it cannot be put out by ordinary means. It will burn under water or in other environments that extinguish an ordinary flame. When it burns, it does not depend on its surroundings for support. It is self-sustaining" (ibid, 35).  I pictured this as testimony and living the gospel combining to achieve conversion.

An analogy I liked was given in his October 2006 address.  He used the difference between the rock climbing techniques of "soloing" and climbing with a companion with having the Savior as a companion on our earthly climb instead of attempting to "go it alone."  The analogy was turned into this video, which serves as a good visual to what Elder Scott was teaching.  Another analogy I liked is one I've used before in another post.  Talking about how strong emotions can overpower the delicate influence of the Spirit, Elder Scott said, "The inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit can be overcome or masked by strong emotions, such as anger, hate, passion, fear, or pride. When such influences are present, it is like trying to savor the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeño pepper. Both flavors are present, but one completely overpowers the other. In like manner, strong emotions overcome the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit" (Ensign, Nov. 2009, 8).  There were many others (this one at the beginning of the talk, for example), but these are the 3 that come to mind right now.

Now, as I look toward the October Conference coming up in just a few short days, I am once again reminded that I will miss Elder Perry, President Packer and, now, Elder Scott.  I will miss his soothing voice and beautiful counsel.  At the same time, however, I know how wonderful it must be for him to be reunited with his wife, Jeanene, who passed from this life 20 years ago.  I think one of Elder Scott's most poniangant thoughts of her was said at the beginning of his April 2012 Conference address when he said, "Anyone who stands at this pulpit to deliver a message feels the strength and support of members throughout the world. I’m grateful that that same support can come from a beloved companion on the other side of the veil. Thank you, Jeanene" (Ensign, May 2012, 45).  Over the last several years, she has been on his mind because memories of her have appeared in several of his talks.  Although I didn't get the opportunity to hear him speak in our stake conference or to be able to shake his hand, I am grateful for the service Elder Scott rendered to me as an apostolic witness of the Lord Jesus Christ.