President Nelson recently shared on social media that he has started using a walker. The post is inspiring, and I found myself smiling back at the photo of him. My smile only grew as I glanced at some of the comments left on the post. My quick glance soon turned into a long scroll as I read through some of the more than 10,000 comments. Most of the time when I find myself scrolling through a popular social media post, I leave feeling either numb, annoyed, discouraged, or some combo of all three. But not this time. The comments on President Nelson’s post were so inspiring!
Comment after comment expressed support as well as appreciation for the prophet’s vulnerability, and the great love the Saints have for their president created a very happy corner of the internet. People were expressing love, sympathy, and gratitude at a rate unheard of on Facebook. If you are in the mood for a happy little scroll, here are some of my very favorite comments. I hope they make you smile, too.
- “Thank you, President Nelson. Your words are truly inspiring! I will be going home from my mission early to have surgery on my foot, but I plan on coming back! I will keep your optimism in mind as I recover!” —Keane Law
- “Thank you and God bless you for all you do for us, and for this world. In many, many ways, you are like a ‘walker’ for me and my family. We hold on from time to time to find the balance we need every so often. Your words and actions steady us and help us to move surely forward without the fear of falling. We love you!” —Tom Eadie
- “I sometimes have trouble with balance, too, and I’m half your age! Thankfully the Lord continues to bless you with good health otherwise, so we may continue to receive your wise counsel. Thank you for leading and guiding us!” —Julie Davis Marburger
- “We love you dear, President Nelson! We’re so grateful for your inspiring leadership. We are so blessed to still have you, walker or not! You’re in our prayers and in our hearts.” —Alison Neff
- “It calls to mind that Aaron and Hur supported and helped hold Moses’s hands high, in the Old Testament. It is a reminder that we are mortal and sometimes need help. We learn too that when our Heavenly Father requires us to do something, He provides the way. Sometimes that provision is in the form of a walker or wheelchair. Thank you for your dedication, humility, strength, and testimony President Nelson.” —Joân Douglas
- “I love and respect this man. The end of what he said is rather reassuring to me after I biffed it today on the sidewalk in front of a medical clinic and ended up being bandaged inside.” —Cherilyn Cox
- “Thank you for taking care of your body and mind throughout your life. We are greatly benefiting from your direction! I know you deserve a rest, but some of us hope you'll live into your hundreds so we can glean more of your wisdom. We pray for you to be well and capable of guiding us a good while longer. You are so loved and supported!” —Melody Taylor
- “I’m 33 but have POTS and several other illnesses and autoimmune issues. I look really healthy for the most part, but sometimes I need a walking cane or to use a cart while shopping. It sucks having to justify my use of an item, some people even claim my cane is for style. I wish we would normalize it more. I can’t tell you how many times I have been yelled at for using a motorized cart in a store or someone has tried to look at my cane, and I have almost fallen over. I think you are awesome. Rock the walker and wheelchair! One day I hope I won’t need them anymore until I’m older. But now I talk to people about it and try to raise awareness. Thank you for being vulnerable about this stage of your life President Russell M. Nelson; I really appreciate it!” —Julia Cole Ivy
- “President Nelson thank you for sharing this. I don't know if you will get to read this comment but I’m 29 and I have to use a walker. Thank you for your loving example and loving spirit. Thank you.” —Amanda Jensen Robertson
- “President Russell M. Nelson’s openness about his challenges with balance serves as a powerful reminder that even great leaders face personal trials. His positive attitude and gratitude are truly inspiring. It’s a testament to his unwavering dedication and love for the Lord and his brothers and sisters. By sharing his experiences, he encourages us all to face our own challenges with resilience and to keep moving forward. Let us join him in embracing life’s little challenges and pressing onward with faith and determination.” —Hery Tiana Mikaia Nofidianjanahary
- “President Nelson you need to let some primary kiddos put some balloons or stickers on it! We love you!!” —JenJen Brooks
- “I love you, President Nelson. I am so grateful for your inspiring life and inspired example and teachings! I never will forget the blessing of shaking your hand! No matter what aid you use I know you are truly God’s Prophet walking the earth today!” —Mark Johnson
- “You are an amazing man and although we have never met you touched my life years ago when you did my mother’s first open heart surgery. You gave her to me for over another 30 years. I have always had faith in the Lord that he gives us things to challenge us from time to time I love you, and I know the Lord loves you he will keep you strong until He calls you home.” —Lori Reese
- “I love you, dear President Nelson. Thank you for sharing and being an amazing example of perseverance. I too have been experiencing some earthly challenges. This is precisely what I needed to hear. Onward and upward! I sustain, and follow you.” —Keiauni Rupp Beagley
- “I have had issues with balance my whole life, most likely due to an enlarged cerebellum. Thank you for your shining example; I also rely on walking aids for balance and haven’t let them completely go since my brain, knee, and most recent foot surgeries. Grateful you are still healthy and strong and our prophet at this time. We love you! Stay upright and strong.” Charlene Ann Varga
- “‘Put your shoulder to the (walker) push along!!!’ We know you’re doing your duty with a heart full of song!! Love you, President Nelson!!” —Matthew Merrill
- “Thank you for sharing your experience with us—next we will share your photo with my mother-in-law who refuses to use her walker despite a very high need for her to use it. You are a light in so many ways. Love and hugs to you!” —Kendra Kaiser
- “God chose you knowing you would use your intelligence, talents, and endless, powerful faith to lead Christ's worldwide church today. Thank you for taking this mantle and devoting your lifetime to His restored church and millions of us. We love you for your devotion, even if your body needs a little more help at times. Looking forward to celebrating your 100th birthday next year.” —Jennifer Baird Mohl
- “I needed this as I too deal with balance issues and have had to use a cane and a walker at times. Thank you for your excellent example and fortitude.” —Terry Hardy Olsen
- “Not only do you lead us spiritually, but you lead us through our frailties we encounter through life. Thank you for being open with your life.” —Lynda McClellan
- “I use a walker too, President.” — Angela Hall
- “President Nelson, I’m 75 and am now going to a physical therapist for my balance and to strengthen my body that I can serve as you have shown by your example so beautifully. Our love and prayers for you is to carry on in the work of the Lord.” —Jean Heywood Slocum
- “Since the year you turned 96, I have been thinking about your 100th birthday. You have a special place in my heart, and I pray that the light within you will continue to shine bright whether on a wheelchair or with a walker. We ever pray for thee, our prophet dear.” —Princess C Okechukwu
Responses have been edited for clarity.
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