The first week of August 2011 saw the passing of two giants in the Mormon universe: Sister Chieko Okazaki, a former counselor in the Relief Society general presidency and beloved author and speaker, and Elder Marion D. Hanks, a long-time general authority who many looked up to as one of Mormonism’s greatest champions for love, equality, and Christian service. This episode is a celebration and appreciation of their lives through conversation with intimate friends.
Mormon Matters host, Dan Wotherspoon, first interviews Sister Aileen Clyde, who served from 1990 to 1997 as a fellow counselor with Sister Okazaki in the Relief Society general presidency under the leadership of President Elaine Jack. He then speaks with Margaret Young and Darius Gray, two of Elder Hanks’ close associates. We very much hope you will enjoy getting to know more about each of these incredible souls—Sister Okazaki and Elder Hanks, as well as the great spirits of those interviewed here.
Please join in the conversation by sharing your own reflections on these leaders. How have they affected your life for the better? What teachings or qualities will you remember most about them?
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Thank you to all involved with the beautiful stories and moments memorialized here. I have thoroughly and spiritually enjoyed myself during this hour. I was a child during the presidency of Sister Okazaki but I remember my Mother posting quotes of hers on the refrigerator and owning a few of her books. I remember sensing something the uniqueness of her being an Asian woman in a leadership role in the church. I am glad to know more about who she was as a person. And Elder Hanks, WOW, of course, what a joy to hear the more personal side of his story! So many comments made hear have me thinking! As a more pragmatic, universalist Mormon I am still convinced that miraculous, beautiful, unique and powerful things happen within this gospel. This is an important thing for me to consider as I move forward in my life and continue to be involved with things like Mormon Stories and Mormon Matters that are trying to bring forward and recognize the human aspects of this church (something I ardently believe in doing as well). Thank you for these and other reminders, Dan!
Thank you to all involved with the beautiful stories and moments memorialized here. I have thoroughly and spiritually enjoyed myself during this hour. I was a child during the presidency of Sister Okazaki but I remember my Mother posting quotes of hers on the refrigerator and owning a few of her books. I remember sensing the uniqueness of her being an Asian woman in a leadership role in the church. I am glad to know more about who she was as a person. And Elder Hanks, WOW, of course, what a joy to hear the more personal side of his story from Darius Gray and Margaret Young. As a more pragmatic, universalist Mormon I am still convinced that miraculous, beautiful, unique and powerful things happen within this gospel. This is an important thing for me to consider as I move forward in my life and continue to be involved with things like Mormon Stories and Mormon Matters that are trying to bring forward and recognize the human aspects of this church (something I ardently believe in doing as well). Thank you for these and other reminders, Dan!
Thank you so much for doing these interviews Dan. I am so grateful for the lives of Sister Chieko Okazaki and Elder Marion D. Hanks. This was very touching and faith promoting for me.
I just finished the section on Sister Okazaki and have started with Elder Hanks. It’s great to learn about these two wonderful people.
Way to make me cry Dan. This was wonderful, Thank you Dan, Thank you Sister Clyde, Thank You Darius, and Thank you Margaret.
Elder Hanks was one of the great ones. The first General Conference of my mission was Elder Hanks last as a General Authority. It has been the talk by which I measure all conference talks since. One particular part still touches me and to this day influences my thoughts and feelings on God’s unconditional love for ALL of his children:
Jewish tradition helps us further appreciate the nature of our Heavenly Father
in the tender practice of the Half Hallels offered at Passover in
celebration of the historic exodus of the children of Israel from Egypt
and their passing through the Red Sea. When they reached the sea, the
pursuing Egyptian armies overtook them. Through Moses, God divided the waters, “And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground.” (Ex. 14:22.) The Egyptians went in after them. Then Moses stretched his hand again
over the sea, and the waters returned. The Israelites were safe, and the
Egyptian armies were drowning. Triumphantly the people began to sing
hymns of praise to the Lord. But the Almighty stopped them and
said, “How can you sing hymns of praise and jubilation when so many of my
children are drowning in the sea?”
In remembrance of that event, Jewish people during the latter period of
Passover include abridged or shortened psalms of praise, Half Hallels,
as part of the celebration.
(http://lds.org/ensign/1992/11/a-loving-communicating-god?lang=eng)
Thank you all for sharing these wonderful experiences with us.
Oops, sorry that posted weird!
These were very beautiful and touching tributes. Thank you, Dan, for putting them together. It is wonderful to hear some specific life stories and recollections of these leaders that we might otherwise not know.
Thank you for this. It’s easy to get cynical about church leadership, so it’s wonderful to learn more about people like Sister Okazaki and Elder Hanks.
I really enjoyed this, Dan. Great job pulling this together.
What a wonderful episode of Mormon Matters. It made me feel emotional several times, which is normally not my disposition to do so.
I thank all of you who were involved in this episode. I wish I could express how happy it made me feel.
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While searching desparately for a conference talk to use for my first-Sunday-of-the-month lesson in Relief Society I remembered this podcast and sought out on of Chieko Okasaki’s talks. I settled on “Raised in Hope” and received one of the best reactions to an RS lesson ever. So many women appreciated her wisdom. It was especially apropos in light of the severe flooding our state received recently with Hurrican Irene, with many of our families being affected. The easy way out would have been a lesson on preparedness but I really couldn’t make myself do that. Sis. Okazaki’s positive interpretation of the gospel has always appealed to me and this past weekend I think she made some new fans.
Very cool. Thanks so much for sharing this Audrey!
I was a young man called to the Australian mission in May of 1954, sitting thr office of Marian D. Hanks for my GA interview, and after a few words of getting axquanted, Elder Hanks asked me if their were any things in my life that would cause me to feel unworthy to be a missionary for the church. I Had to say their were a few beseiging habits that could be considered so.
After speaking frankly with him about my problems, Elder Hanks told me of a most wonderful passage from the book of Ether, that is Ether 12:27-28
27 …I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.
28 Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness.28 Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness.
I am 77 years old now and those words have garnished my thoughts all those years giving me such great hope, and a realization of strength. I once was weak and now I am strong, made so through the works of Christ given me by my brother, Elder Marion D. Hanks. Would all my brothers in and out of the church could have been so blessed. I am 77 years old now and those words have garnished my thoughts all those years giving me such great hope, and a realization of strength. I once was weak and now I am strong, made so through the works of Christ given me by my brother, Elder Marion D. Hanks. Would all my brothers in and out of the church could have been so blessed.
What a top notch episode, Dan. What a great historical service you are doing in making these interviews happen and preserving them for the world. Many, many thanks.