Howard W. Hunter: Power of Positivity

A new year brings new goals, new seasons, and new things to learn. In 2016, we will be learning from the manual Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Howard W. Hunter in our church meetings. Here’s a bit about the man who led with faith and optimism.

Howard W. Hunter was born in Boise, Idaho, on November 14, 1907. In his youth, he loved music and even had a band called Hunter’s Croonaders, which toured on a cruise ship. He married Clara May Jeffs in 1931 and became a lawyer. He was 86 years old when he became the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1994, after 35 years of service as an apostle. He passed away on March 3, 1995, leaving a legacy of faith.

President Hunter spoke nine times at BYU. In his various firesides and BYU devotionals, a theme of optimism is ever present. His last speech at BYU—a fireside address in 1993—is famous for an unexpected interruption. Just a few minutes into the address, a man came up on the stand, carrying a briefcase and threatening that he had a bomb. Through the entire incident, President Hunter “appeared calm and never responded to the man.” The congregation of BYU students began singing “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet” and distracted the man long enough for security to take control of the situation. Once the incident was over, “President Hunter continued his address without appearing shaken.” (See Church News Article).

That speech was “An Anchor to the Souls of Men,”—a very faithful and optimistic address, as was typical of President Hunter. In 2016, we will be enhanced by his messages of hope and positivity:

“I hope you won’t believe all the world’s difficulties have been wedged into your decade, or that things have never been worse than they are for you personally, or that they will never get better. I reassure you that things have been worse and they will always get better. They always do—especially when we live and love the gospel of Jesus Christ and give it a chance to flourish in our lives.” (“An Anchor to the Souls of Men”)