Thank you for sharing your painful and sacred experiences. They are resonant to me. When we talk about coming to earth to obtain a body, I believe that it is sometimes viewed too simplistically. Check, I've done that. Yet, to be a soul is so much more than just being born. To come to know who we are and in whom we've trusted, truly does require experiences that allow us to come to understand more completely how we function. Thank you again for sharing one of yours.
DebrahDecember 4, 2022
I have had friends who had Shingles and I felt sorry for them, but now, even sadder. Aweful! I did not like my shingles vaccine, but now I think it just might have been a good decision.
Years ago I had what was supposed to be minor surgery, a subcutaneous cyst. It wasn’t. It was a ganglion wrapped tightly around the main nerve in my wrist. The doctor had to scrap if off, and the myalin sheath below it. Without general anesthesia.
It took6 weeks to heal, used no pain meds, and found out I could fall to sleep while keeping my hand and arm high up on the wall, the only way I could ease the pain.
Some years later I needed a hysterectomy. Afterwards I was put on self administered Demerol. I prayed, telling the Lord I was willing to suffer, but if it would be allowable, would he take the pain away. He reminded me of the earlier time where I experienced such pain, the same nerve that had been pierced and torn in his hands. Then told me that I had suffered the pain I needed to and that it would be removed.
The next day the doctor came in and I asked if they would take the Demerol thing out as I did not need it. The nurse jumped in and said, “no, you need this.”
The doctor looked at the machine and says, she has only had two doses yesterday, and gone all night without. She doesn’t need it. He pulled it.
That is only a small part of the story as the Lord supported me through it. But I learned something. Pain is a part of our earth test. Each person gets his own prescription. He did not lift my pain for the scrapped and battered nerve in my wrist, but I learned what I needed from it and needed no more, if I had the faith to ask.
Ann-Marie JensenDecember 4, 2022
Thank you so much for sharing how you changed your prayer for help. A very valuable example for us all.
Kathy SandersDecember 4, 2022
How I love you and your choosing Christ in every conscious minute of your life. The power of those choices magnified over time allows you to witness for Christ in amazing and influential ways. I thank God for you and your example of faith in my life. I’m so sorry for the trial you have gone through and rejoice in the discoveries you made about the nature of God. Thank you for sharing this intimate story. I too have come to know Christ because of intense pain. I marvel that that kind of overwhelming pain can reside at the same time with overwhelming joy in Christ. How that happens I do not know but I know it to be true.
Brad LDecember 3, 2022
You might want to look into getting a D-Dimer test, which can detect micro clots when methods used to detect normal clotting fail. If they were happening in brain, perhaps the cause of the immense head pain you were experiencing.
There is evidence micro clots can appear in a high percentage of those who have had the mRNA shots and boosters. And the shingles point to an activated viral infection, which maybe exacerbated by the same shots.
Darwin DavsDecember 3, 2022
You are a hero. Thank you.
Linda Starr WinansDecember 3, 2022
Hey, Maureen. I am so sorry you had to go through that ordeal. I truly appreciate your tender insights and your positive response. What a blessing that you have come out of this trial as you have. I can tell you have lost some weight over it --hopefully you feel as good as you look . May you enjoy God's richest blessings for both you and Scot!!!
Kristin KleinDecember 3, 2022
Such a poignant and tender testimony of the goodness of Light, and a loving Heavenly Father and Savior. I’m so grateful for women like yourself who can articulate these mercies and share with so many. Thank you!!
Koni hunterDecember 3, 2022
Sweet Maurine,
As I was reading this, I had two thoughts come to me.
1- you told a story on a podcast episode when your daughter was injured and far from home. You knelt to pray. The only words that came were “help”. A few months ago, I was in a similar situation and as I knelt to pray in my bitter agony, I thought of you. Through my tears, I could only utter “help me”. That day, I experienced a miracle. Help came through a very inspired bishop.
2- As scot prayed specifically to know why you were passing through this agony, he was given a specific answer. I remembered the time our bus broke down and you said the most fervent prayer. After, you said to all of us on the bus “I’ve learned that specific prayers receive specific answers”.
You continue to teach me and inspire me. I adore you! You are a rock and a pillar of faith!
Tom ObenchainDecember 2, 2022
Thank you for sharing your story Maurine. I love the reminder that no matter our circumstances our ability to choose, to choose Him, is never taken from us.
JanDecember 2, 2022
Maurine, so very sorry to hear about this terrible affliction. I offer you this: While on our mission in New Zealand, I was in the Hamilton temple to perform proxy initiatory ordinances. There was no initiatory waiting room in the temple, so I was invited to sit in the workers' preparation room. Two lovely workers were chatting there about a mutual acquaintance who had been suffering with shingles. One remarked that the suffering sister had found no relief in western medicine, so she went to a the traditional Maori healers for help. The healer told her to apply balsamic vinegar to the eruptions, and her relief had been immediate. I have mentioned this to a few shingles patients here in the states. They confirm the balsamic vinegar was very beneficial, but one cautioned he'd learned the hard way not to use it on any mucous membranes, just the outer skin. It can't hurt to try it on a little patch. Worst case, you'll just smell like a salad.
AimeeDecember 2, 2022
Thank you. Thank you so much for sharing this. I cried through the entire article. I have been through my own versions of this experience, and I can say with certainty, yes. It is refining and redefining. I have often wondered how I could ever possibly fully express to someone how unshakeable my testimony is. But I know it became so unshakeable *because of* the pain and suffering I've gone through. There is no way to explain it and have it fully understood, like you said about redefining your pain threshhold. But when you have been through the fire, and chosen the Lord through it, you know. It changes you forever. And there is no going back. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me, a complete stranger, who both cannot understand what you went through and yet can completely understand what it meant to you and the way it redefined your relationship with your Savior. Thank you for touching my heart and helping me feel more understood.
ShaunaDecember 2, 2022
Bless you for all you do and for your example. I am a pain wimp and don't knot that I could have endured what you have. So grateful for your absolute steadfastness to remain true to God and to not murmur. You are a special person and witness of God's goodness. Thank you for sharing your ordeal and prayers that you'll recover from shingles quickly
Laurie PollardDecember 2, 2022
Wow, Maurine! Every article you write is powerful, but this is phenomenal. What a poignant lesson and inspiring trust in the Lord you have shared with us. I can only imagine the depth of pain you have endured, and I am saddened you suffered so...but is seems the more intense the trial--as we turn to God humbly as you have done--the more potent the sanctifying effect it may work in us. You comprehend the Atonement of Jesus Christ on a deeper personal level than ever before. Thank you for blessing us with your gratitude and penetrating insights. You and Scot are stalwart disciples and your devotion to do the Lord's work blesses untold souls. I'm thankful to be one of them!
Craig FrogleyDecember 2, 2022
I am so very sorry for your suffering even knowing that it is refining. Some people just already seem refined so their suffering seems redundant. But even the Sons of Mosiah were called to suffer that they might be examples to those they would influence! (Alma 17:11 be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.
Sandy GatesDecember 2, 2022
Maurine, I’m so sorry that you had to go through this. I know your pain. I too suffered this same pain in a very similar experience which left me with temporary paralyzation for over 6 months, slight hearing loss and minor permanent nerve damage on the right side of my head. It was an experience I will never forget. It drew me closer to my Savior than ever before and the experience that I had with Him was so sacred. I too know that these things are not thrust upon us by Heavenly Father or our Elder Brother, but they can be used for our growth and to draw us closer to them. If you would like to know more about my experience, I can share through email. Take care Maurine. You are doing a great work and are infinitely loved!!!
KimDecember 2, 2022
Maurine* Names are important.
Kim EggintonDecember 2, 2022
Oh, dear, sweet Maureen... my whole being sorrows and joys for you!
DougieDecember 2, 2022
Excellent! Part of His work might be the inspiration your story gives to readers who are suffering, and gain power to go on because of your experience.
Beth TDecember 2, 2022
So grateful to God that he and his angels were at the ready to help you, your family and the doctors discover the true problem of your pain. And how beautiful that through questions we can find the answers we need from our beloved father in heaven. Thank you for sharing! Grateful you are healed!
vickieDecember 2, 2022
i have had many times of agony from pain or mental illness. depression so hard it brought my body down that my skin hung on my body. i took no meds and was taking care of my 4 of 5 children at that time. i also was helping a family stay in our home. the anxiety i had was so awful i cant describe it...well, we moved from england bk to the usa. my baby fell from a slide on the playground ...when we got bk to the states all my kids broke out in blisters on their skin and no dr knew what was going on..they figured it was the move from england to the usa and they had some virus. also i had pain after a hysterectomy. not with the surgery but being allergic to premarin a harmone and no doctor would listen something was wrong. i went through months. many times in my life i was bedridden. i had seizures starting at 46yrs old and went through things i cant describe. all along i trusted in the Lord and reminded myself of gethsemane that Christ knew what i was going through. i have no idea what im being prepared for, but i trust in the Lord as He knows best....
SFISCHDecember 2, 2022
I stand all amazed at your ability to share your experience and illustrate your true devotion to the Savior during your recent time of stress. We love to follow your weekly Come Follow Me podcast. Thank you for your insight and faithfulness. One question? When did you have your shingle shot? Many would be interested why you ended up getting such a painful shingle episode after your vaccine.
Tiffany GoodwinDecember 2, 2022
What a beautiful story that testifies of our loving Savior and Father being with us always. I know of His love and being with me in the mental/emotional pain of loss and anguish. This story reminded me of things I knew and needed to be reminded. Thanks you Maurine!
R AlldredgeDecember 2, 2022
This is such an inspiring experience for you to share with us. Tender, personal and inspiring. Thank you for your testimony. It really struck me to think of the hard trials going on around us are the very experienced we need to prepare us to meet Christ. I needed this insight. Thank you. Bless you and prayers for your recovery.
Lorraine QuillonDecember 2, 2022
Exquisite.
KarlaDecember 2, 2022
Thank you for sharing your story, it has answered my prayer.
Buffie BarkdullDecember 2, 2022
Oh, dear Maurine. Thank you for this gift that came at such a high cost. Through your talent of writing and expression, you have put into words the deepest desires of my heart. To be called a friend of God. You have earned that title. I will strive to remember your experience and declaration of allegiance to God in your extremities as I soldier on in my life.
Comments | Return to Story
John SowaDecember 4, 2022
Thank you for sharing your painful and sacred experiences. They are resonant to me. When we talk about coming to earth to obtain a body, I believe that it is sometimes viewed too simplistically. Check, I've done that. Yet, to be a soul is so much more than just being born. To come to know who we are and in whom we've trusted, truly does require experiences that allow us to come to understand more completely how we function. Thank you again for sharing one of yours.
DebrahDecember 4, 2022
I have had friends who had Shingles and I felt sorry for them, but now, even sadder. Aweful! I did not like my shingles vaccine, but now I think it just might have been a good decision. Years ago I had what was supposed to be minor surgery, a subcutaneous cyst. It wasn’t. It was a ganglion wrapped tightly around the main nerve in my wrist. The doctor had to scrap if off, and the myalin sheath below it. Without general anesthesia. It took6 weeks to heal, used no pain meds, and found out I could fall to sleep while keeping my hand and arm high up on the wall, the only way I could ease the pain. Some years later I needed a hysterectomy. Afterwards I was put on self administered Demerol. I prayed, telling the Lord I was willing to suffer, but if it would be allowable, would he take the pain away. He reminded me of the earlier time where I experienced such pain, the same nerve that had been pierced and torn in his hands. Then told me that I had suffered the pain I needed to and that it would be removed. The next day the doctor came in and I asked if they would take the Demerol thing out as I did not need it. The nurse jumped in and said, “no, you need this.” The doctor looked at the machine and says, she has only had two doses yesterday, and gone all night without. She doesn’t need it. He pulled it. That is only a small part of the story as the Lord supported me through it. But I learned something. Pain is a part of our earth test. Each person gets his own prescription. He did not lift my pain for the scrapped and battered nerve in my wrist, but I learned what I needed from it and needed no more, if I had the faith to ask.
Ann-Marie JensenDecember 4, 2022
Thank you so much for sharing how you changed your prayer for help. A very valuable example for us all.
Kathy SandersDecember 4, 2022
How I love you and your choosing Christ in every conscious minute of your life. The power of those choices magnified over time allows you to witness for Christ in amazing and influential ways. I thank God for you and your example of faith in my life. I’m so sorry for the trial you have gone through and rejoice in the discoveries you made about the nature of God. Thank you for sharing this intimate story. I too have come to know Christ because of intense pain. I marvel that that kind of overwhelming pain can reside at the same time with overwhelming joy in Christ. How that happens I do not know but I know it to be true.
Brad LDecember 3, 2022
You might want to look into getting a D-Dimer test, which can detect micro clots when methods used to detect normal clotting fail. If they were happening in brain, perhaps the cause of the immense head pain you were experiencing. There is evidence micro clots can appear in a high percentage of those who have had the mRNA shots and boosters. And the shingles point to an activated viral infection, which maybe exacerbated by the same shots.
Darwin DavsDecember 3, 2022
You are a hero. Thank you.
Linda Starr WinansDecember 3, 2022
Hey, Maureen. I am so sorry you had to go through that ordeal. I truly appreciate your tender insights and your positive response. What a blessing that you have come out of this trial as you have. I can tell you have lost some weight over it --hopefully you feel as good as you look . May you enjoy God's richest blessings for both you and Scot!!!
Kristin KleinDecember 3, 2022
Such a poignant and tender testimony of the goodness of Light, and a loving Heavenly Father and Savior. I’m so grateful for women like yourself who can articulate these mercies and share with so many. Thank you!!
Koni hunterDecember 3, 2022
Sweet Maurine, As I was reading this, I had two thoughts come to me. 1- you told a story on a podcast episode when your daughter was injured and far from home. You knelt to pray. The only words that came were “help”. A few months ago, I was in a similar situation and as I knelt to pray in my bitter agony, I thought of you. Through my tears, I could only utter “help me”. That day, I experienced a miracle. Help came through a very inspired bishop. 2- As scot prayed specifically to know why you were passing through this agony, he was given a specific answer. I remembered the time our bus broke down and you said the most fervent prayer. After, you said to all of us on the bus “I’ve learned that specific prayers receive specific answers”. You continue to teach me and inspire me. I adore you! You are a rock and a pillar of faith!
Tom ObenchainDecember 2, 2022
Thank you for sharing your story Maurine. I love the reminder that no matter our circumstances our ability to choose, to choose Him, is never taken from us.
JanDecember 2, 2022
Maurine, so very sorry to hear about this terrible affliction. I offer you this: While on our mission in New Zealand, I was in the Hamilton temple to perform proxy initiatory ordinances. There was no initiatory waiting room in the temple, so I was invited to sit in the workers' preparation room. Two lovely workers were chatting there about a mutual acquaintance who had been suffering with shingles. One remarked that the suffering sister had found no relief in western medicine, so she went to a the traditional Maori healers for help. The healer told her to apply balsamic vinegar to the eruptions, and her relief had been immediate. I have mentioned this to a few shingles patients here in the states. They confirm the balsamic vinegar was very beneficial, but one cautioned he'd learned the hard way not to use it on any mucous membranes, just the outer skin. It can't hurt to try it on a little patch. Worst case, you'll just smell like a salad.
AimeeDecember 2, 2022
Thank you. Thank you so much for sharing this. I cried through the entire article. I have been through my own versions of this experience, and I can say with certainty, yes. It is refining and redefining. I have often wondered how I could ever possibly fully express to someone how unshakeable my testimony is. But I know it became so unshakeable *because of* the pain and suffering I've gone through. There is no way to explain it and have it fully understood, like you said about redefining your pain threshhold. But when you have been through the fire, and chosen the Lord through it, you know. It changes you forever. And there is no going back. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me, a complete stranger, who both cannot understand what you went through and yet can completely understand what it meant to you and the way it redefined your relationship with your Savior. Thank you for touching my heart and helping me feel more understood.
ShaunaDecember 2, 2022
Bless you for all you do and for your example. I am a pain wimp and don't knot that I could have endured what you have. So grateful for your absolute steadfastness to remain true to God and to not murmur. You are a special person and witness of God's goodness. Thank you for sharing your ordeal and prayers that you'll recover from shingles quickly
Laurie PollardDecember 2, 2022
Wow, Maurine! Every article you write is powerful, but this is phenomenal. What a poignant lesson and inspiring trust in the Lord you have shared with us. I can only imagine the depth of pain you have endured, and I am saddened you suffered so...but is seems the more intense the trial--as we turn to God humbly as you have done--the more potent the sanctifying effect it may work in us. You comprehend the Atonement of Jesus Christ on a deeper personal level than ever before. Thank you for blessing us with your gratitude and penetrating insights. You and Scot are stalwart disciples and your devotion to do the Lord's work blesses untold souls. I'm thankful to be one of them!
Craig FrogleyDecember 2, 2022
I am so very sorry for your suffering even knowing that it is refining. Some people just already seem refined so their suffering seems redundant. But even the Sons of Mosiah were called to suffer that they might be examples to those they would influence! (Alma 17:11 be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.
Sandy GatesDecember 2, 2022
Maurine, I’m so sorry that you had to go through this. I know your pain. I too suffered this same pain in a very similar experience which left me with temporary paralyzation for over 6 months, slight hearing loss and minor permanent nerve damage on the right side of my head. It was an experience I will never forget. It drew me closer to my Savior than ever before and the experience that I had with Him was so sacred. I too know that these things are not thrust upon us by Heavenly Father or our Elder Brother, but they can be used for our growth and to draw us closer to them. If you would like to know more about my experience, I can share through email. Take care Maurine. You are doing a great work and are infinitely loved!!!
KimDecember 2, 2022
Maurine* Names are important.
Kim EggintonDecember 2, 2022
Oh, dear, sweet Maureen... my whole being sorrows and joys for you!
DougieDecember 2, 2022
Excellent! Part of His work might be the inspiration your story gives to readers who are suffering, and gain power to go on because of your experience.
Beth TDecember 2, 2022
So grateful to God that he and his angels were at the ready to help you, your family and the doctors discover the true problem of your pain. And how beautiful that through questions we can find the answers we need from our beloved father in heaven. Thank you for sharing! Grateful you are healed!
vickieDecember 2, 2022
i have had many times of agony from pain or mental illness. depression so hard it brought my body down that my skin hung on my body. i took no meds and was taking care of my 4 of 5 children at that time. i also was helping a family stay in our home. the anxiety i had was so awful i cant describe it...well, we moved from england bk to the usa. my baby fell from a slide on the playground ...when we got bk to the states all my kids broke out in blisters on their skin and no dr knew what was going on..they figured it was the move from england to the usa and they had some virus. also i had pain after a hysterectomy. not with the surgery but being allergic to premarin a harmone and no doctor would listen something was wrong. i went through months. many times in my life i was bedridden. i had seizures starting at 46yrs old and went through things i cant describe. all along i trusted in the Lord and reminded myself of gethsemane that Christ knew what i was going through. i have no idea what im being prepared for, but i trust in the Lord as He knows best....
SFISCHDecember 2, 2022
I stand all amazed at your ability to share your experience and illustrate your true devotion to the Savior during your recent time of stress. We love to follow your weekly Come Follow Me podcast. Thank you for your insight and faithfulness. One question? When did you have your shingle shot? Many would be interested why you ended up getting such a painful shingle episode after your vaccine.
Tiffany GoodwinDecember 2, 2022
What a beautiful story that testifies of our loving Savior and Father being with us always. I know of His love and being with me in the mental/emotional pain of loss and anguish. This story reminded me of things I knew and needed to be reminded. Thanks you Maurine!
R AlldredgeDecember 2, 2022
This is such an inspiring experience for you to share with us. Tender, personal and inspiring. Thank you for your testimony. It really struck me to think of the hard trials going on around us are the very experienced we need to prepare us to meet Christ. I needed this insight. Thank you. Bless you and prayers for your recovery.
Lorraine QuillonDecember 2, 2022
Exquisite.
KarlaDecember 2, 2022
Thank you for sharing your story, it has answered my prayer.
Buffie BarkdullDecember 2, 2022
Oh, dear Maurine. Thank you for this gift that came at such a high cost. Through your talent of writing and expression, you have put into words the deepest desires of my heart. To be called a friend of God. You have earned that title. I will strive to remember your experience and declaration of allegiance to God in your extremities as I soldier on in my life.
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