Overcoming Lupus through Faith in Christ

     I was baptized at 10, only went to church a few times, this was in the 60's. I remember feeling floaty after being baptized. We stopped going because our ward was not warm and loving. As an adult I searched out many different religions and philosophies. I never had really been taught the gospel even though I had been baptized. Before I was converted I was heck on wheels although I slowed down when my children were born. Although I was baptized at age ten my true conversion didn't happen until the kids went to church. I was told by friends it was as if I was a new member.
     When my babies were ages one and three I was diagnosed with SLE-Lupus. Back then it was a definite death sentence. I was really angry with God. When my girls were five and seven years old they began asking who God was. I thought I would take them to the LDS church around the corner and I stayed for all 3 hours for the kids.  I walked out with a testimony and the kids were baptized, followed by my husband. The grandparents joined as well and eventually our family was sealed.  Later I realized that lupus had actually been a blessing because of the things I learned. I almost died three times due to complications from lupus. One time I saw my deceased grandma who had passed away twenty years earlier. She told me everything would be all right and that I would get better. The next time, I was visited by a Catholic Priest in an ICU ward. He wanted to know what I thought would happen to me. He knew I was LDS. I told him Heavenly Father had a plan for me, I knew where I was going, and that I was not afraid. He came two times and he didn't understand. That second time I almost died I received a second priesthood blessing. I was told that I would live. One of the brothers that performed the blessing heard a small quiet voice. The third time I had a spinal break and had to have neurosurgery. My kidneys had stopped, lungs and heart were going. I have six pins in my spine. I should have been permanently paralyzed and had a colostomy.
     Well I can get around with a walker and no colostomy or dialysis. I learned we only take the love we have for others and our Heavenly Father. There is no pain physical or emotional. It is awesome there. The Gospel is true. Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us. We have a purpose to fulfill on earth. Priesthood blessing, prayers and temple prayer lists work. I am a walking miracle.

-Your friend Moya