Like so many women, I am guilty of not always staying on top of my needs, allowing other things to take priority. So, with a 15-day trip to Italy planned in early October and being overdue for my normal yearly screenings with my OB/Gyn and general practitioner, I realized I had to be deliberate. Putting it off, returning home in late October and trying to play catch up with the holidays right in front of me was not going to work. So, I made all the necessary appointments in September.

My eyesight was also a concern, especially my left eye. I had not had them checked in four years, and I knew that my prescription eyeglasses needed updating. My last appointment was with the optometrist at the end of September.

After checking my eyes for the difference in prescription, he spent some time examining them to see why the left one was so much worse. After going back and forth for several minutes he told me, “There is something going on with your macula. You need to see a retina specialist to have it evaluated.” I told him I was going away and asked, “Can it wait?” He said yes.

Needless to say, I was concerned. I’ve needed corrective lenses since the fifth grade, and I really cannot function outside of the house without them because I am so nearsighted. The thought of something more serious going on with my macula was troublesome. When I arrived home, I made an appointment for the Monday after I returned.

My first Sunday back in church, after thanking God for a successful trip, I asked to be anointed and let the saints know of my concern. What a blessing it was to be able to share with my church family, knowing that we hold fast and believe in the scripture found in James 5:14, “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”

Monday came and I went through all the tests and examinations. At the end, the doctor came in and asked me some questions, which I answered. He looked at me and said, “I don’t know what he saw, but there is nothing going on. Your eyesight is 20/20 with your glasses. You are fine.”

Relief is a small word for what I felt, and I had to immediately thank the Lord for His goodness and mercy and for the love and prayers of my brothers and sisters in Christ. Growing up, there was a dear brother who often testified that he needed the prayers of the saints more than he needed his “daily bread.” I thank God for His faithfulness to me as well as that of my spiritual family.

Mosiah 3:5, “For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.”

February Love

Next month, we’re asking for testimonies and miracles related to love — this theme is wide open!  Nearly any experience God gives is a reminder of His great love. Click here to share your story.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.