Last General Conference I was struck by Elder Nelson's challenge to learn of the priesthood power of Christ, and what it can do. He shared of the Father and Brother of two small girls who came to repent and fulfill the measure of their calling in order to bless their family.
I read of Peter, and Christ admonishing him repeatedly to turn to him, and commit to take the reins of the Chief Apostle. Feed my Sheep.
I read of Alma, and the great change he had as he heard the word of Abinidai, and taught a great many people, leading them and guiding them to the land of Helem, and helps the people to escape Amulon by the power of God.
I read of Alma the Younger, and how not only did he turn against his wickedness, but led the fight against the Lamanites, and later takes his place as High Priest and fights many of those against the Church.
Crying in my heart, as I hear the witness of these people, and realize the great number of people I have in my responsibility as an Elder of Israel, to guide and bless, I see the great power that I have to act as the Savior did.
We were called again to bless one in the hospital; this time a 40 yr old man, less active, and in the ICU for the massive back injury he had falling down on the bus. His friends; one less active and the other non member; knew of the Church through their own time serving missions, and came asking for the same blessings they [would have given] by their own hands, but now were shamed in what they had done. But how great their faith! They had come asking. We blessed this man that what had failed with the surgery before would now be successful.
Not only does God have the Power to Create and protect, He has the power to bless. But by faith and repentance we are to keep the commandments.
Alma 15: 6 And it came to pass that Alma said unto him, taking him by the hand: Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation?
7 And he answered and said: Yea, I believe all the words that thou hast taught.
8 And Alma said: If thou believest in the redemption of Christ thou canst be healed.
9 And he said: Yea, I believe according to thy words.
10 And then Alma cried unto the Lord, saying: O Lord our God, have mercy on this man, and heal him according to his faith which is in Christ.
11 And when Alma had said these words, Zeezrom leaped upon his feet, and began to walk; and this was done to the great astonishment of all the people; and the knowledge of this went forth throughout all the land of Sidom.
The one experience that shook me, that shocked me, was as me and elder Poon were coming home the other day, just getting off the bus, we walked up to an intersection at the corner of our apartment, facing the police station that we live next to. This intersection has had at least 10 times that has been blocked off in caution tape and EMT's; not my favorite corner. I see through the passing traffic a large
African American man lying on the floor, rolling around. "Ughh, more homeless crazies". More glimpses through traffic made me question, his stiff body, the shaking. My heart dropped and eyes wet, I realized I needed to go now, he's having a seizure. Ran over when it was safe, I threw my stuff over, and grabbed his head and jaw and forced it open. Did what I could to help, but his eyes stayed rolled back, and the shaking brought more blood and saliva.
Recognizing the Spirit, and the calm it brought in my actions; I blessed this man, with his head and jaw in my hands. He loosened a little and breathed in smaller breaths. The cops showed up in those three minutes; ordering us to leave so they could do their work.
Thinking on that moment, and his head literally in my hands, I realized that I know nothing of medical healing, I only knew what to do because of experience. There was nothing I could offer, nothing to make it stop, but I could bless him. And despite what the world thinks, they cannot offer that which the Lord does. And so I know that Christ truly gave that authority and responsibility to men like Joseph Smith and my father, who have in turn given it to me. I know it as I bless and am blessed by my companions and leaders. I invite us all to realize who we are, and what the Lord can do with his ability, his love, and his will. What his will, and how shall we accomplish it. Through faith in Christ.