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https://www.deseret.com/2023/9/28/23894744/president-nelson-to-participate-in-conference-remotely-after-fall-recovering-lds-general-conference ” class=”bbcode_url”> https://www.deseret.com/2023/9/28/23894744/president-nelson-to-participate-in-conference-remotely-after-fall-recovering-lds-general-conference https://twitter.com/NelsonRussellM/status/1707470348583895329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1707470348583895329%7Ctwgr%5Edafe5b2bd8ff7b225c4e063f64fe77be6cba0cbc%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deseret.com%2F2023%2F9%2F28%2F23894744%2Fpresident-nelson-to-participate-in-conference-remotely-after-fall-recovering-lds-general-conference ” class=”bbcode_url”> https://twitter.com/NelsonRussellM/status/1707470348583895329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1707470348583895329%7Ctwgr%5Edafe5b2bd8ff7b225c4e063f64fe77be6cba0cbc%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deseret.com%2F2023%2F9%2F28%2F23894744%2Fpresident-nelson-to-participate-in-conference-remotely-after-fall-recovering-lds-general-conference Pres. Nelson will not be in attendance at GC but will be home after falling at home three weeks ago. The article says he hopes to record a message.
This is of course far from the first time a church president has not been in attendance, but in past experiences (I’m remembering Kimball, Benson and Monson specifically) “watching from home” seems to usually be the beginning of the end. In fairness, I hope to live as long and be as healthy as Nelson is taking into consideration that I know people younger than me who are far less vigorous and cogent than he is (I’m 63). Nevertheless he is of advanced age and eventually all of our bodies fail. I also think it’s interesting in the wording of “hoped to record a General Conference message.”
It’s also noted that Elder Holland will not be in attendance, and frankly it seems he’s been on his last legs for some time and this may well be his last GC.
It is in times like these that I wish there was an emeritus status to allow church leaders to step aside to convalesce in relative peace. On the other hand, I am wary of what an Oaks presidency might bring and play that President Nelson can hold out longer.
President Nelson’s life has been worn out in the service of his beliefs and his God.
Roy wrote:
On the other hand, I am wary of what an Oaks presidency might bring and play that President Nelson can hold out longer.President Nelson’s life has been worn out in the service of his beliefs and his God.
I truly believe that President Nelson is a genuinely good guy who tries to serve the Lord and love the people.I also truly believe that DHO has convinced himself that he is a genuinely good guy who tries to serve the Lord and love the people.
These are far from being the same. When DHO takes the stand, there will be two stake officials (and their children) missing from my congregation — for starters. Some will say, “It’s a sign of the times when even the very elect shall be deceived.”
I will quietly say, “It’s a sign of technology and progress when the true, unflattering nature of certain individuals is available for scrutiny.”
Roy wrote:
It is in times like these that I wish there was an emeritus status to allow church leaders to step aside to convalesce in relative peace.
Don’t read any malice into this, just a fair warning on the snark that’s about to ensue. I do wish Nelson the best in his recovery and quality of life.
Nelson doesn’t strike me as one that would willingly step aside. I mean, he could just rest at home and they could cut conference a little short but they’re going to try for the recorded talk route. Maybe Nelson has another two dozen temples to announce and doesn’t want that honor delegated.
All snark aside, it’s probably pretty rare for someone that’s waited that long to get to the top to have that moment of clarity and humility where they decide of their own accord to step aside. I’m sure it happens but I think those types of decisions usually come from someone else. We don’t even have to be talking about letting go of the reigns of a huge organization… do grandpas usually say, “You know what. I better stop driving, here are my keys.” or do dads typically show up to take grandpas’ keys as grandpas do their best to swat dads away with their walkers?
That’s the thing about mental and physical declines, it reduces your ability to recognize when you’re experiencing mental and physical declines. The deeper the decline, the more reduced the decision making skills and the more reduced self-awareness becomes… typically.
Roy wrote:
It is in times like these that I wish there was an emeritus status to allow church leaders to step aside to convalesce in relative peace.On the other hand, I am wary of what an Oaks presidency might bring and play that President Nelson can hold out longer.
President Nelson’s life has been worn out in the service of his beliefs and his God.
I agree Roy, and while that’s standard for the Seventy it’s unfortunately not done with the 15. As an active retired guy I can say I wholeheartedly recommend it. I never wanted to spend all of my days working and honestly don’t understand why anyone would. Perhaps I’m just not faithful enough, but I am faithful enough to believe I am just as saved as any one else.
This could be temporary for Nelson, but Holland should have given it up at least a year ago. I wish no ill will on any of them, but for everything there is a season. A few years ago Richard Scott bucked tradition in refusing to remarry after the death of his wife. He got some pushback from that but stood his ground, and what were they going to do? Trump up some charges to excommunicate him? He had the cards and he knew it. (FWIW I also think 85-year-olds remarrying for the sake of tradition is stupid, and I wouldn’t do it either. If my wife died today I would not remarry.) Pope Benedict broke with tradition and lived nearly 9 peaceful years. But like Nibbler says, I think none of them are keen to give up the power, plain and simple.
I would love an emeritus status. I truly see Pres. Nelson as a good, sincere, loving man. I have been impressed by and thankful for the many changes that have happened during his presidency. The temple endowment changes alone are wonderful.
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