Power of Priesthood Blessings.

The first time I remember receiving a priesthood blessing I was 7 years old and sick with pneumonia. I remember my dad and a couple of other men being there as they blessed me to be made whole. The one thing that has stuck in my memory is my own thought of "leave me alone, I don't feel good". I guess at age 7 I didn't understand the power of prayer.

As a teenager I at times, even in my uncertainty of God and Christ's existence, I would ask my dad for a blessing. He knew I was struggling spiritually. And he was there to support me however he could. I can't say the blessings ever brought me much peace, but it was a foundation to be built upon. And it taught me that having a priesthood holder in the home is vital.

Two and a half years into marriage and my husband still held the office of Priest. He had not been ordained to the Melchizedek priesthood but was going to be in just a few short month. This is when my first real experience with blessings occurred. Our oldest had her left eye suddenly cross in. I took her to the doctor as she'd had a concussion a few months before and I was concerned it was related. The doctor looked at her eyes and did a thorough exam. He then informed me that she needed an MRI as soon as possible. He picked up the phone and called the local children's hospital to schedule the test. I could see the disappointment on his face when he was told it would need to be the next day. I was scared. And his next words brought terror into my heart. He told me to prepare for the worst. What kind of doctor does that? Naturally I was terrified.

What was he seeing and how will we cope with something horrific happening to our little girl? My husband immediately called our home teachers and they came that evening to give her a blessing. Now my kiddo would not sit for the blessing unless she was in my arms. The home teachers were less than thrilled with the situation, but went along with it. After her blessing I still didn't feel much peace. I was so afraid I'd lose my child to something awful.

As I put her to bed that night I held her close and prayed. I asked God to heal my child. That I knew she had a great purpose here on Earth. Tears fell as I begged God to spare this child. I felt such warmth and peace spread throughout my body as I prayed. I kissed her on the top of the head, tucked her in, and left the room. My husband didn't want to talk about what was happening so I pulled inward and tried to understand what was going on. I called my mom and she reminded me to pray

Finally exhaustion won and I crawled into bed to sleep. At some point during the night I woke to a glorious bright light in my room and a person standing next to my bed (which was a feat because I had boxes of books there). This person told me that because of my faith and my prayers my daughter was to be made whole. This person went on to explain what was going on and the dangers that would occur if it were not for the prayers for healing I had given that night. I cried and cried. The person and the light left my room. I woke my husband, astounded that he slept through this event, and told him what had happened. He said I'd had a vivid dream and to go back to sleep.

The next day we took our daughter to the hospital for the MRI. She fought the medications they gave her to help her sleep. She even managed to break a papoose board they had strapped her to in hopes of placing an IV and giving her medication that way. My mom showed up and hugged my daughter. I picked up this adorable little fighter and held her and rocked her. I had a hand on her head holding it against my chest and prayed that she would calm down and let the medicine take hold so the test could be done. Soon after she fell asleep and we placed her on the MRI machine. About an  hour later they came and got us. She had slept through the entire test and once she woke up and ate something we could go home. We were also told to the doctor would call with the results.

It took two days for the call to come. Two very long, very stressful days. Then the call came. I was expecting to be asked to meet him at his office, but no. He stated it was good news. Whatever it was he saw was not on the MRI. He had been certain there was a mass there, but the MRI was clean. We received a referral to an ophthalmologist to follow up with her eyes. My daughter was healed. Well mostly healed. Her left eye remained crossed and the ophthalmologist gave us the diagnosis of amblyopia (lazy eye). We did the patching method and the fresnal prism lens. These did not help so she required surgery. Thankfully this was not as traumatic as the MRI to get her to sleep. We expected a full recovery and for a while it seem that all was well. Then she began to have vision issues with her left eye. Black spots occurred. It seems that while the surgery straightened her eye the effect of the surgery weren't as good. She would continue to lose vision and eventually go blind. But her eyes will be straight. It was a tough pill to swallow.  All my prayers seemed unanswered, until I realized I was waiting for that bright light and person to show up again. Then my prayers were answered with the reminder that my daughter had been healed once already and for that I should always be grateful. This new development would be hers to overcome and I just needed to be supportive. Now this child is 22  years old, married, and attending one of the toughest engineering colleges in the US.

In the midst of all of this my husband was ordained to the Melchizedek priesthood. I was also struggling with my 3rd pregnancy. I received many blessings during that pregnancy, but never felt that particular peace with it. It felt as if something was missing. Any time my husband gave me a blessing it felt empty. I still can't explain it other than to say I don't think I trusted his faith at that point.

Years went by and if I wanted a blessing I typically turned to my dad for one. I'm sure it offended my husband, but I felt more at peach having my dad bless me. His faith in the power of prayer inspired me to work on my faith.

When my divorce happened many people in our ward made sure I knew where a priesthood holder lived so I could get a blessing when needed. they apologized because I didn't have a priesthood holder in my home. I ended up living  8 years without a priesthood holder in my home, yet blessing occurred often. I frequently gave my daughters blessings. My youngest became very sick and I placed my hands on her head and blessed her with a healing prayer.

This may all seem somewhat heretical to those who feel only worthy priesthood holders can give blessings, but anyone can say a prayer. That's all it is. You are drawing on the power you are born with to send energy to another person. I have had some of the most comforting and healing prayers from a dear friend in Pennsylvania. I can always feel her presence when she prayers for me. And being we deal with a lot of similar health issues we pray for one another daily.

Where am I going with all of this? Well this past week I asked the pastor at the Community of Christ congregation we are attending for a blessing. She has been called to be an apostle so I knew this would be a unique blessing. I can tell you there are some subtle differences in the healing prayers of the LDS Church and the Community of Christ. I can also tell you that any questions I've had about where the priesthood keys are held were answered.

This was the single most beautiful experience I have had in communication with the Lord. You see, when my dad or another LDS priesthood holder would give me a blessing I felt as if someone had wrapped their arms around me in comfort and protection. I still believe that this is because of my faith and not just because of the blessing. As my sweet friend and pastor Robin laid her hands on my head and began to pray no arms of comfort came around me. It was odd. I was trying to concentrate on her words, but my mind insisted on asked why I wasn't feeling the same thing I'd almost always felt. A voice came into my mind and spoke. This voice told me that I no longer needed that protection. Within seconds the room seemed to fill with people. I felt the presence of loved ones that have passed on. And all of my questions about my faith journey and where I was going were answered.

When the blessing ended I fully expected to see a room packed with people upon opening my eyes. Instead I saw Robin and Dan.  My husband looked at me expectantly. I through my arms around Robin and thanked her for the blessing. I knew that what ever comes next is what is meant to be. I hugged my husband and we spoke with Robin about the process required to join Community of Christ.

Yes, priesthood blessings can be an amazing thing. But I don't think only a priesthood holder has the power to bless someone. I believe that anyone can bless another person as long as they both have faith that the blessing will be heard. I believe that the comfort of having someone lay their hands on your head and pray for you while sharing their healing energy does not require priesthood keys. This power is within us all. I, for one, plan to access this power more often now. Next time my kids get sick I won't race around looking for a worthy priesthood holder (my husband has left the LDS Church and so have I). Instead I will take the healing power bestowed upon me by God and pray over my child myself. I will do this for my husband as well. Having faith in the power of prayer is a cornerstone of my faith foundation. And I am blessed to have such faith in my life.

After all, Joseph Smith did tell the women at the first ever meeting of the Relief Society that they have the ability to perform blessings as well. And if he, the one through who the priesthood keys were restored, stated that women have the power to give blessings then who am I to deny that right to myself and any other woman.