Article May 17, 1999 Issue

When the sea gulls soared in the night

How I found physical healing through prayer

By Lynn Gray Jackson

A few years ago , while on vacation, I was at a hotel that had a wonderful view of the ocean. During the day I enjoyed the ships and boats sailing past my balcony, and in the evenings the sounds of barges coming in, blowing their whistles. The ebb and flow of the waves washing upon the shore has always comforted me, and sometimes I'd just sit on the balcony, carefully listening to all the sounds.

But on this trip, it wasn't a sound that would give me the strength and comfort I was seeking. Instead, it was a sight—one that I felt was a message from God. One evening, after a few full days, I began to feel very ill. The discomfort was tremendous. I couldn't relax or sleep. Things got worse as late night became early morning. I prayed, silently and aloud, for some relief and to feel God's ever-comforting presence.

During times like this I've learned that turning to God in prayer opens my thought to the divine message that heals. And, although this seemed difficult for me to do at the time, I persisted. I stepped out onto the balcony, expecting to see nothing but blackness and hear a few whistles blowing in the distance. Yet what I saw brought home a spiritual lesson I've never forgotten: sea gulls soaring in the night.

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