Inside Mesa

As I was catching up on my reading, going through the newspapers I had set aside, plus bits of information here and there…a small article catches my eye. Something about a Mayor, divorce, and a terrific woman. I thought it was probably a Mayor in one of the surrounding cities; several have been in the news lately.It wasn’t another city, or some other Mayor. It is our cities "First Couple". It is two people I hold in high regard, two professionals I admire and respect—Mary Jo and Keno. I stared at the article in disbelief, not wanting to believe the written word. A few weeks ago when writing about the Chamber’s Leadership Program Open House, I thought of her encouraging me and others to enroll in the program. Mary Jo’s loyalty and friendship is just one of her many qualities; always managing to remain even and consistant..I felt compelled to call her, hoping she would tell me it was "April Fool", and not true at all. That was not the case. In our conversation I learned something else about her, she is much more capable in dealing with this matter that many of us would be. Mary Jo knows who she is as an individaul and is validated by her own self worth. Yes, she is a terrific woman.

Testing 1.2..3 —- I can just image a Scientist looking at data that was gathered for research from patient A, B, or C to see if the effects of prayer are evident. The Tribune’s Associated Press article "Power of prayer put to the test" have researchers baffled —it was certainly void of the immeasurable, healing God I know!A scientifically controlled study on prayer and its effect on the sick assume God can be controlled. Seems a little weak coming from some that claim to be wise.I can tell you of my own circumstances and experience of healing. Nothing about it was scientific, or measured; it was a little weak on faith, not even planned; except by Him of course, and then it happened!I attended a Ministry Workshop at my church to learn where I might serve. There was a teaching on prayer, visiting the sick, and healing. We were asked if we believed in healing….I really didn’t know. I had not seen someone healed, but agreed I had nothing to lose!A group of intercessory prayers gathered around me and prayed. I didn’t know them and they didn’t know me, that wasn’t important. They were not familiar with my health condition either, but that wasn’t important. The important thing was that they prayed in faith asking that I be healed, the results were up to the healer ….God.When I felt my illness leave my body I was amazed and overwhelmed by his presence. The glory of that moment was no doubt the power of God! He blessed me even in those moments when I didn’t know what I believed about his healing in these modern times. We were asked if anyone had something to share…I said yes! It took a few moments to regain my composure. My joy and thankfulness, the warmth of his loving grace, his touch and the tenderness of my heart, was evident because I knew and shared — prayer healed me!