Many years ago I was, in the words of Mark’s Gospel, one who “had suffered many things of many physicians, . . . and was nothing bettered” (Mark 5:26). I had been in and out of hospitals for four years in the large city where I worked. The diagnosis and treatment changed over that time, but the illness continued. 

A family member, sensing that a less stressful environment might help, moved me to their home in a quieter area. While I was there, I had an attack of acute abdominal pain and was taken to the emergency room. The doctors finally diagnosed me with severe Crohn’s disease and told me I had only six to twelve months to live.

My situation appearing desperate, a kind friend asked an Episcopal bishop to visit me in the hospital and pray for me. Afterward the bishop left me a religious pamphlet. I was not in the mood to read anything, but I noticed on the back flap the words God and healing in the same sentence. I had never considered those two words together before, and it gave me pause.