Lifted

Alright here's a long winded story about a little girl named Jill. (Yes, it's me.) Let's go back to grade 9. One morning, on my way to school, my hand and leg on the left side started going numb, followed by tingling. I didn't think anything of it, until it spread to my face. I couldn't talk right, I was slurring my speech, and I was scared. Shortly after the tingling sensation, a pounding migraine set in. Little did I know that would be the first of many.

I went to the doctor, who didn't really know what was going on, so he sent me to a lot of specialists. After many appointments, MRIs, and lots of days spent in my basement, I was done. I was done emotionally, physically, and mentally. My desire to keep fighting was wavering; there wasn't an end in sight because we didn't know why they were happening in the first place. 

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland came to speak in Lethbridge, Alberta at a youth conference that spring. I don't remember much about the talks, but he left an apostolic blessing that the righteous desires of our hearts would be fulfilled. That blessing gave me a sliver of hope to hang on to, something to grasp when I just wanted to feel better. My healing wasn't immediate, but it was miraculous. I didn't change anything (I had tried but nothing was working), yet I was able to function. I kept putting one foot in front of the other, holding to that promise and holding to Christ. The migraines spread out, and the daily headache nearly vanished. I am still affected by them, but they are no longer nearly as crippling. 

If you're still reading this, props to you. I'm almost done, but I have to tell you something. God does what He says He will do, whether it be through Him or through one of His servants. His love is real, it is wonderful, and it is saving. The gospel of Jesus Christ lifts us up, and empowers us daily, whether we are struggling or are more stable at that point in time. The redeeming power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to forgive us of our sins and mistakes is real, we can repent and He will remember them no more. The only way to find true, lasting joy is through Him. He will lift us up when we can no longer walk alone. I'm grateful for His love, and the peace He brings to me!