Faith of a Ward

This last weekend I attended an event with an old group of friends, and while talking to one of them, was reminded that many people in that ward (church group) felt very connected to me in a unique way.

Before my heart surgery, the ward had a full fast dedicated just to me. A fast done for a specific person or purpose is usually done for a period of 12-24 hours where people abstain from food and focus on prayer, often to show dedication and faith, often asking for health or asking for healing.

While I may have mentioned that this was done I don’t believe I counted its impact as I should have. While talking with that same friend, he said he felt a special connection to me spiritually that he hadn’t experienced before or since.

I believe that those connections in my ward brought me immeasurable peace, relief and hope and they happened with many individuals. I felt loved and cared for un unique ways.

I also believe that the complications that happened during my surgery may have taken my life without the faith and prayers of a hundred or so wonderful people whom I now consider family. The following link is one of my favorite talks on faith.

But If Not …

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/but-if-not?lang=eng