Ever remembered for her wit, humility and unshakable testimony, Sister Marjorie Pay Hinckley addressed thousands of Church members throughout the world as she traveled and stood by the side of her husband. The moments she addressed a crowd — large or small — offer gems of wisdom and faith, mixed with humor. The following are excerpts from several of her talks or comments during press interviews in recent years:
Life
If you're not optimistic, life is really a burden. You ought to look for the sunny side. You just have to face up to every day and not be afraid, but know that life is good and that things will work out. — From Church News interview on 90th birthday, see Nov. 24, 2001, Church News
Marriage
It is more getting used to each other than working hard to change one another, which is almost impossible anyway. And after 66 years, I think I am finally used to him. The other day as I watched him walk across the room I thought again of what an adorable little old man he has grown up to be.
Throughout all these year of marriage he has always given me space to fly. He never insisted that I do anything his way: it wouldn't have done him any good. — Both quotes from address given at BYU on April 29, 2003, on occasion of the Church-owned university establishing the Marjorie Pay Hinckley Chair in Social Work and Social Sciences
Her husband's mission
I was very thrilled because I desperately wanted him to go on a mission, but I will never forget the feeling of loneliness and emptiness that I felt when the train pulled out of the station and he was gone. When he was on his mission, he did write me wonderful letters describing the places that he was seeing and the experiences that he was having. I've saved them all. They're small masterpieces. — From "An Evening with Marjorie P. Hinckley and Daughters," May 2, 1996, BYU Women's Conference
Testimony
My parents loved the Church so that, when we were very young, we learned to love the Savior because of their attitude. It seems to me that I was just born with a testimony. I never remember not having that great love of the Savior, and I can thank my parents for that. — From "An Evening with Marjorie P. Hinckley and Daughters," May 2, 1996, BYU Women's Conference
Church activity
Anyone who has been active in the Church all their lives has been made by the Church. I am what I am because of my activity in the Church. — From comments to Church News upon receiving BYU Exemplary Womanhood Award, Feb. 28, 1996
