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Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Sun May 16, 2021 1:24 pm
by oliblish
I have not been very active on this forum lately. The last time I checked in I was probably when I was going through my divorce from my TBM wife. That divorce was actually finalized in the last week. I am living alone in an apartment while I build a house that should be done in a few months.
I was recently diagnosed with a severe eye infection. I have not been able to work for a couple of weeks. it it looks like this may continue for several months if not longer. I actually have an amoeba infection in my cornea. The prognosis is not great. We will probably end up that the only way to save my vision in that eye is to get a cornea transplant.
I have blocked out all of the windows in my apartment to make it dark. I have extreme light sensitivity. I rarely leave my apartment during the day. Even when I go outside at night I wear sunglasses and a baseball cap. I can’t watch TV or work on a computer for more than a few minutes at a time. If I can’t get back to work in the next few months I may lose my new house along with the non refundable deposit.
My married daughter came over to visit today. As I was explaining my situation she became emotional and asked if I wanted a priesthood blessing. She knows I’m not a believer and I think it took some courage to bring up the idea. I did not give her an answer.
I have mixed feelings about the priesthood blessing idea. I appreciate her offer but I don’t think I want to do it. After listening to RFM‘s Podcast about the general conference death march, it is unclear to me that the general authorities even claim the priesthood blessings can be effective.
If things go badly with my eye and I didn’t get the blessing my daughter might think I am too stubborn to do what’s in my best interest. But if I do get the blessing and things still don’t go well, then I will probably get the blame for not having enough faith. It seems like a no-win situation. If I get the blessing and things go better than expected then she will probably think I will come back to church.
I am going in to see a specialist this week and then get a second opinion. I would like to get your opinions on how to handle the offer for a priesthood blessing.
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Re: Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Sun May 16, 2021 2:15 pm
by Palerider
oliblish wrote: ↑Sun May 16, 2021 1:24 pm
I have not been very active on this forum lately. The last time I checked in I was probably when I was going through my divorce from my TBM wife. That divorce was actually finalized in the last week. I am living alone in an apartment while I build a house that should be done in a few months.
I was recently diagnosed with a severe eye infection. I have not been able to work for a couple of weeks. it it looks like this may continue for several months if not longer. I actually have an amoeba infection in my cornea. The prognosis is not great. We will probably end up that the only way to save my vision in that eye is to get a cornea transplant.
I have blocked out all of the windows in my apartment to make it dark. I have extreme light sensitivity. I rarely leave my apartment during the day. Even when I go outside at night I wear sunglasses and a baseball cap. I can’t watch TV or work on a computer for more than a few minutes at a time. If I can’t get back to work in the next few months I may lose my new house along with the non refundable deposit.
My married daughter came over to visit today. As I was explaining my situation she became emotional and asked if I wanted a priesthood blessing. She knows I’m not a believer and I think it took some courage to bring up the idea. I did not give her an answer.
I have mixed feelings about the priesthood blessing idea. I appreciate her offer but I don’t think I want to do it. After listening to RFM‘s Podcast about the general conference death march, it is unclear to me that the general authorities even claim the priesthood blessings can be effective.
If things go badly with my eye and I didn’t get the blessing my daughter might think I am too stubborn to do what’s in my best interest. But if I do get the blessing and things still don’t go well, then I will probably get the blame for not having enough faith. It seems like a no-win situation. If I get the blessing and things go better than expected then she will probably think I will come back to church.
I am going in to see a specialist this week and then get a second opinion. I would like to get your opinions on how to handle the offer for a priesthood blessing.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Perhaps a compromise. Tell her that you would really appreciate the prayers of any of her church associates.
Re: Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Sun May 16, 2021 2:18 pm
by Palerider
This is hard to imagine. So sorry that you have to go through this and really hope it goes well. How does one get an infection of this nature anyway?
Re: Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Sun May 16, 2021 2:26 pm
by oliblish
Palerider wrote:oliblish wrote: ↑Sun May 16, 2021 1:24 pm
I have not been very active on this forum lately. The last time I checked in I was probably when I was going through my divorce from my TBM wife. That divorce was actually finalized in the last week. I am living alone in an apartment while I build a house that should be done in a few months.
I was recently diagnosed with a severe eye infection. I have not been able to work for a couple of weeks. it it looks like this may continue for several months if not longer. I actually have an amoeba infection in my cornea. The prognosis is not great. We will probably end up that the only way to save my vision in that eye is to get a cornea transplant.
I have blocked out all of the windows in my apartment to make it dark. I have extreme light sensitivity. I rarely leave my apartment during the day. Even when I go outside at night I wear sunglasses and a baseball cap. I can’t watch TV or work on a computer for more than a few minutes at a time. If I can’t get back to work in the next few months I may lose my new house along with the non refundable deposit.
My married daughter came over to visit today. As I was explaining my situation she became emotional and asked if I wanted a priesthood blessing. She knows I’m not a believer and I think it took some courage to bring up the idea. I did not give her an answer.
I have mixed feelings about the priesthood blessing idea. I appreciate her offer but I don’t think I want to do it. After listening to RFM‘s Podcast about the general conference death march, it is unclear to me that the general authorities even claim the priesthood blessings can be effective.
If things go badly with my eye and I didn’t get the blessing my daughter might think I am too stubborn to do what’s in my best interest. But if I do get the blessing and things still don’t go well, then I will probably get the blame for not having enough faith. It seems like a no-win situation. If I get the blessing and things go better than expected then she will probably think I will come back to church.
I am going in to see a specialist this week and then get a second opinion. I would like to get your opinions on how to handle the offer for a priesthood blessing.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Perhaps a compromise. Tell her that you would really appreciate the prayers of any of her church associates.
That’s a great idea! I am going to tell her this. It doesn’t totally close the door on the blessing so it is kind of a soft decline.
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Re: Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Sun May 16, 2021 2:37 pm
by oliblish
Palerider wrote:This is hard to imagine. So sorry that you have to go through this and really hope it goes well. How does one get an infection of this nature anyway?
Thank you for your support. I don’t know that all of this has fully sunk in yet.
It is an extremely rare condition. Most get if from rinsing their contact lenses in tap water (Do not do this!). I don’t wear contacts. I must have had a scratch on my cornea and the amoeba got in while showering. That is what the eye doctor is saying. I had no idea that amoebas were so common in tap water.
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Re: Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Sun May 16, 2021 2:39 pm
by Red Ryder
Oliblish!
Wow, I hope you can recover with your eyesight.
Tough question. The idea comes from the heart of your compassionate daughter. I’ve watched a few shows where miracles have happened. Not debating they are true from a religious point of view or not. Just saying that hope is something we all have in situations like this. Palerider has a great alternative. May your daughter’s compassion and love for you help heal your soul during this difficult time. Hoping for the best here so you can enjoy your new house and get back to work. Keep us updated.
Re: Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Mon May 17, 2021 9:38 am
by Dr. Licious
I'm sorry for your serious medical problems. Eye problems are terrifying.
I was in a similar situation recently. I had a few seizures a month ago which has huge potential impacts on my life, career, ability to provide, etc. I'm kind of a closet PIMO. My wife knows how I feel about most things, but I go to church, do my calling etc. Anyway, a member of the bishopric asked me if I wanted him to come over and get a blessing. I wanted to tell him 'No thanks, I don't really find them very effective.' But instead I just ignored the text and never responded.
I'm not sure how to tell family and friends how I truly feel. I know blessings bring people comfort, and I will give one to a family member when asked, but I never promise anything miraculous, and I never say that the blessing is dependent upon their faith. That phrase is such a copout... "If this blessing doesn't work, it's your fault for lacking faith"
Re: Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Mon May 17, 2021 10:16 am
by Linked
I'm so sorry about your eye Oliblish! I hope you recover fully.
Regarding the priesthood blessing, I would try to hear it as your daughter saying she loves you and cares for you and wants to help you, and respond as though that's what she said. Something like "it means a lot to me that you would offer and having your support is so wonderful." With that preface you could possibly discuss that blessings aren't your thing anymore and deflect into requesting prayers, though she may feel a bit of rejection still. Acknowledging her love and caring and desire to help should lessen the rejection though.
Good luck!
Re: Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Mon May 17, 2021 1:09 pm
by græy
First, I am sorry to hear about your vision. I sincerely hope that you do fully recover as soon as possible!
Linked wrote: ↑Mon May 17, 2021 10:16 am
Regarding the priesthood blessing, I would try to hear it as your daughter saying she loves you and cares for you and wants to help you, and respond as though that's what she said. Something like "it means a lot to me that you would offer and having your support is so wonderful." With that preface you could possibly discuss that blessings aren't your thing anymore and deflect into requesting prayers, though she may feel a bit of rejection still. Acknowledging her love and caring and desire to help should lessen the rejection though.
I agree with link here. This is a lose/lose scenario whether you accept or reject the blessing. Just speak with your daughter. Let her know you appreciate the offer, that you recognize the position of love and concern that prompted her to speak up in the first place, but that priesthood blessings just don't mean the same thing to you that they obviously mean to her.
Re: Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Mon May 17, 2021 3:32 pm
by wtfluff
Scary eye stuff oliblish. I hope everything turns out OK.
As far as you daughter and a blessing, I'm going with what others have said, but a bit different. Personally, I would make the blessing thing all about your daughter. If you can sit her down and have a VERY frank (hard) discussion, I would reiterate to her that you don't believe anything about "blessings" and possibly toss in some science/statistics and mention that there is absolutely no evidence that blessings have any influence on medical outcomes. BUT... If it will truly make her feel better about the situation, you will accept a blessing with the caveat that the blessing has absolutely no influence on your outcomes, and she can't toss around thoughts that Mormon Magicians and their Magick Oil healed you, or that things got worse because of your non-belief. OK... Maybe mentioning Mormon Magicians isn't such a great idea... Again, I would make it all about her, reiterate you believe blessings don't work, but you'll do it if it offers her comfort.
Or... Take Dr. Licious' advice (he DOES play a Doctor on the internet) and just ignore the offer completely?
Re: Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Mon May 17, 2021 4:55 pm
by 2bizE
So sorry about your eye. This is a very scary situation. If a blessing would provide you comfort, then ask for one. However, there is another option...
Brother Oliblish,
By the authority of the Melquisedec priesthood, which I hold, I bless you with comfort to feel peace, knowledge to navigate this difficult time, and healing to overcome this affliction of the body. In the name of Christ...Amen.
Now, if you prefer, you can claim you have already received a priesthood blessing.
Re: Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Mon May 17, 2021 6:20 pm
by alas
Tell your daughter that a prayer from her would mean more to you than a blessing from some guy from church that you hardly know. Women are always being told that the faithful prayer of a mother or whatever the woman is, is just as “heard” by God as is a priesthood blessing. Now, most women know that the men just tell us this to placate us for our lack of priesthood, and that the men really feel that their priesthood power is much better than “just a prayer”but anyway, to me a prayer from someone who really loves me is much more comforting than an official blessing from an assigned priesthood guy.
Re: Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Mon May 17, 2021 8:11 pm
by wtfluff
alas wrote: ↑Mon May 17, 2021 6:20 pm
Tell your daughter that a prayer from her would mean more to you than a blessing from some guy from church that you hardly know. Women are always being told that the faithful prayer of a mother or whatever the woman is, is just as “heard” by God as is a priesthood blessing. Now, most women know that the men just tell us this to placate us for our lack of priesthood, and that the men really feel that their priesthood power is much better than “just a prayer”but anyway, to me a prayer from someone who really loves me is much more comforting than an official blessing from an assigned priesthood guy.
As usual, Alas has the best idea...
Re: Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Tue May 18, 2021 6:09 am
by moksha
Oliblish, best wishes on recovering from your eye infection, and hope you have good news from your specialist visit.
You would suffer no ill effects from a priesthood blessing and it might provide some comfort to your daughter if you did. She is pulling for you in the best way she knows how.
"Damn the amoebas, full speed ahead."
Re: Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Thu May 20, 2021 7:56 pm
by MoPag
(((Hugs!!!)))
A divorce and major medical problems are a lot to deal with.
I agree with Alas. Invite your daughter to pray for you. It could be a really empowering experience for her and a comfort to you.
Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Thu May 20, 2021 8:05 pm
by oliblish
I went to get a second opinion and the good news and bad is that the second doctor agreed with the first and said the first doctor he’s doing everything right. So for now I will be putting three or four eyedrops in my eye every hour while I am awake. It kind of burns and I guess that’s the way you attack the amoebas.
My sister is been very helpful and I am grateful for that. But of course she is trying to push the church on me now as well. She has never said anything in the past since I stopped going. She just mentioned that it’s really nice to have ministering brothers and sisters to look out for you. The last thing I want is to become a project in award or I have never met any of the members.
I just have enough going on right now that I really don’t need my family trying to push me back to the church.It is just one more thing I don’t want to deal with. But I have to admit I appreciate the help they are giving me.
I appreciate all the advice that everyone has offered. I know my daughter is praying for me and I am fine with that.
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Re: Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Fri May 21, 2021 6:29 am
by Hagoth
Nothing to add except to wish you good luck. Whatever you decide there is no harm done by either prayers or blessings. The usefulness of both is to help people process weird stuff.
Re: Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2021 1:43 am
by Red Ryder
How’s the eye? Any updates?
Re: Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2021 6:17 am
by moksha
oliblish wrote: ↑Thu May 20, 2021 8:05 pm
She just mentioned that it’s really nice to have ministering brothers and sisters to look out for you. The last thing I want is to become a project in the ward ...
It is nice when someone has your back. Jesus told us to care for one another.
Re: Should I get a Priesthood blessing?
Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 10:31 am
by oliblish
Red Ryder wrote:How’s the eye? Any updates?
I had a cornea transplant surgery a couple of weeks ago. My doctor told me yesterday it successfully got rid of the amoeba problem!
I am feeling much better and light sensitivity is slowly improving. I hope to return to work in two or three weeks. My vision is still very poor in that eye and it will probably be over a year before I can see much with my right eye. But overall I am extremely happy with how things are working out.
This is by far the most difficult thing I have gone through in my life. There were days when I wasn’t sure how I was going get through it. Truly some dark times - literally.