Pain

[rosie321]

If men are that they might have joy...

And LDS sometimes use the wording the plan of happiness...

Is pain ultimately caused by sin and contrary to the Lords will, as some believe?

Does someone with physical pain possess some sin hidden or not that must be addressed?

Can't physical pain be a test that someone might be asked to pass through?

Can it be eliminated in this life? How can it be managed righteously?

There are lots of ways of dealing with pain-physical, mental, spiritual.

What are some good things for the longterm?

Should some of the human cures be avoided due to the longterm potential negative effects?

What positive ways might human pain be managed for the longterm when no immediate miracle occurs?

Christ always in his healing miracles always forgave sin. What do you think was the purpose in doing so?

[Traveler]

Just some random thoughts –

Shakespeare said “Nothing is as good or as bad as it seems only that thinking makes it so.”

There are two kinds of pain – Self inflicted and that to which we have no control. There is no pain that cannot be made worse by thinking it so.

Whenever there is pain something is wrong. Our first inclination is to treat and relieve the pain rather than address the cause. Headaches are never caused by a lack of aspen in our systems.

Treating others kindly is not a source of pain.

The Traveler

[Nate]

Traveler, do I detect a little Holicstic views their?

[Rosewood]

Boy, that's a lot Rosie

Is pain ultimately caused by sin and contrary to the Lords will, as some believe?

Does someone with physical pain possess some sin hidden or not that must be addressed?

Can't physical pain be a test that someone might be asked to pass through?

We experience pain because we live in mortality where we are allowed to be surrounded by sin and unprotected by Father's glory. We experience pain directly & indirectly as the results of sin; our or others. Technically, sin is anything contrary to God's LAWS. We don't even know what all the laws are, being human we can't help but be human. I don't believe it's contrary to God's WILL; this is what we're here for! Remember the 3 Nephites? They would experience no pain except for the sins of the world. When I examine my emotional pain, I don't think there's any other kind! As far as hidden sin, if it's hidden we have not control over it and I think it falls under the category of "blunder" not sin.

Can it be eliminated in this life? How can it be managed righteously?

No, It cant be, but prespective is everything in my opinion.

I know so many people with chronic pain. I don't think there is any sin in managing that kind of pain with perscription medication; Narcotic, anti inflamitory or steriod. But I think it should be done with the blessings of a DR.

Alternative is great if you can afford it. That's the problem.

Christ always in his healing miracles always forgave sin. What do you think was the purpose in doing so?

I think sometimes they ailments were brought on by direct sin, but, suffering from chronic pain myself, I know that the pain itself makes me feel guilty. Now, I don't know if it's an endorphin thing or what, but if Christ were to tell me my sins were forgiven I bet he'd also make me aware of what sin he was talking about. Or He might just give you a feeling of comfort and peace; which I would really appreciate.

[StrawberryFields]

About 15 years ago I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. At the time of diagnosis I was in a lot of pain, this pain hit me on many levels. The physical was bad, the mental of knowing nothing could be done to cure it hit me very hard. The emotional part of being almost bed ridden brought with it a lot of guilt along with criticism. I lived that way for 3-4 months, and then I found a doctor who put me on high doses of Guaifenesin, which is an expectorant. The theory he was using is that my cells were all gummed up which made it difficult to detoxify. The therapy made a difference and within a few months I started feeling better. I also have come to know that if I intake too much sugar or soda my body begins to hurt, when I back off from those things my pain decreases. I still have Fibromyalgia but it doesn’t often debilitate me anymore. I have come to listen to my body and also have been working at letting things go from within. I believe that if we hold onto negatives emotions we will be more likely to harm our bodies. Letting go of things has powerful health benefits.

I then think about pain surrounded by birth and death. I know about both of these types of pain. There is nothing as joyful to me as the pain surrounding the birth of my children. On the other hand, to watch someone die through the pain of death... nothing could have prepared me for that in watching my mom pass away. That short time taught me so much about the meaning of bitter~sweet.

[Rosewood]

Yep, fibromyalgia! Mine also has a Thyroid problem connected. How about migraines? Oh, my word, I feel like such a whiner!

"He trembled because of pain, and yet He, amidst profound aloneness, finished His preparations, bringing to pass the unconditional immortality of all mankind and “eternal life” for all those who would keep His commandments" (Moses 1:39).

If there's any sin connected with this, He takes care of it.

[BenRaines]

Doctrine & Covenants 122:7-8

7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. 8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? This has always been my wakeup call when I feel overwhelmed. Ben Raines

[Dr T]

Off the cuff, I want to say pain is a result of sin. Thinking about Adam and Eve however, I don't think that is necessarily true. One of the curses was that "pain would increase during childbirth" that seems to imply that pain already existed. I did not look it up either so I might be wrong on that quote. Anyway, just some ramblings.

Dr. T

[Nate]

Pain tells you that something is wrong. Emotional or physical. I cut my leg and now I have something wrong and the body wants to fix it. I have fibromyalgia there is something physiologically wrong and my body wants to fix it. I was abused as a child that is wrong and my mind knows it. It may not have the correct coping techniques to handle it so then I could develop some issues later cause there is something wrong deep down thats not resolved.

This is not very spiritual but more of the mechanics. Pain is suppose to be part of life. It was part of leaving our Father and learning how to deal on our own. Will it break us or will we succeed?

[rosie321]

.

Will it break us or will we succeed?

I'd personally always hope for the suceed choice for the longterm. No band-aid fixes on some major hemorrhage or something like that. But when in the thick of handling situations, sometimes choices don't seem so black and white. There's a lot of dead ends along the way making it easy to wonder where and why things are off.

There's a lot of fibromyalgia out there as mentioned in above posts. That can be pretty painful and not always recognized by some medical professionals. It usually takes a long time before it is identified and is not really ever cured. What techniques do you use to cope with or minimize the pain? Are there holistic things that work? Things you've found that don't work? Thanks S.F for sharing how you've been able to cope

Thanks all for your thoughts

[StrawberryFields]

A little more on Fibromyalgia.

I have learned to listen to my body to know when I am doing either to much or something is amiss in my life. I also quit reading up on it... sometimes knowledge isn't better.

[Rosewood]

Dr T - Off the cuff, I want to say pain is a result of sin. Thinking about Adam and Eve however, I don't think that is necessarily true. One of the curses was that "pain would increase during childbirth" that seems to imply that pain already existed. I did not look it up either so I might be wrong on that quote. Anyway, just some ramblings.

That quote opens up a whole other can of worms, for another day!

Yes, it could only increase if we were already here. But lds believe that when we live with our Father/Celestial kingdom/Heaven, we will be in a higher degree of glory than Eden was. So eventually we may be without pain (I hope). The Millenium will be like Eden, but after that the earth will become Celestial.

Strawberry - I have learned to listen to my body to know when I am doing either to much or something is amiss in my life. I also quit reading up on it... sometimes knowledge isn't better.

I have found my diet makes a big difference, and it's definitely related to sugar intake!

[Chanteemomof6]

"The fishers of man" Lund

"The Fire of the converent" Lund

Here are some references for you to look at.

This is how my testomony became so strong.

It answered a lot of my questions.

Good luck to you all.

[CrimsonKairos]

Suffering teaches us what the Spirit can't.

Pain brings suffering.

Pain can teach lessons and bring strength from enduring it; unfortunately, it's often an analogous relationship: the worse the pain, the more important the lesson and the more strength gained.

Not all pain is intended or God's will. I know He can paint a silver lining on any cloud we encounter, though, and consecrate our afflictions for our gain.

[Blessed]

One of my favorite verses from the Bible is:

"We learn obedience through that which we suffer."

[Dr T]

Hi Blessed,

That verse does not ring a bell. Are you sure it's a Bible verse?

[Blessed]

And hello to you, Dr. T, it is Hebrews 5:8. :)

[Dr T]

Thank you. That verse is talking about Jesus. :)

[Guest jackvance99]

mormons are much more like hindus than traditional christians when it comes to miracles and healings. i've always wondered why as missionaries when teaching about the apostacy etc why we tell people most of the modern churches said/say god is silent and the age of miracles was/is over. if anything, it's the mormons (not traditional christians) who believe that.

i have a friend who suffers from depression. he has been taking medication (both prescribed and self) for a few yrs, to the extent he is an addict and has gotten in trouble with the law. i asked him whether he'd ever sought to be healed. he looked at me in surprise, and gave me the very modern day mainstreem mormon mantra that god doesn't usually work that way (at least not anymore) and that modern medication is usually the answer to these types of things ie that god heals now via medicine. then i pointed out to him that the medication has not healed him, just helped him to cope at times, and often has done him damage. with that philosophy, why should anyone in the church be opposed to people easing their pain via marujuana or heroin even? what about knocking back a vodka or two when we are so down or in physical pain - it does help you know.

none of that is healing. i told him to read the gospels and the rest of the NT. total healings to the extent crippled people leaped in the air is the most common miracle in the entire scriptures. it wasn't just something jesus did to prove to people who he was - after all, where there was little belief he did no miracles. he did miracles among and for those who already believed.

i really believe that in many ways the "culture" within the church has gone so mainstream, secular and rational that miracles and healings don't happen because we really don't believe god works this way anymore.

[MaidservantX]

I agree with your take, collectively speaking.

When I am afflicted, body or spirit, or if I need something, I have learned to ask in confidence that I will receive. I didn't always have this confidence, but I gained it by experience. I have asked to be given a car, a shelf, a way to get closer to someone, an anger to be removed, etc. I also learned that if I don't receive what I think I need or want, it is NOT because of lack of faith. It is because God has something in store for me THROUGH the trial or pain or sickness and that it will be a treasure, often a spiritual treasure, and that will count as healing as well.

I personally have not had a great deal of physical sickness or pain, but my emotional, spiritual and mental challenges have been enormous. I am glad you brought this up, because I don't know if I have simply asked to be healed. I have asked for specific things in the midst of specific afflictions -- somethings were taken care of quickly, others through that 'digging for treasure' process I mentioned above. My husband had physical sickness much of his life and had a great deal of faith that kept him living through a lot of things. He had a guileless, childlike faith that a priesthood blessing -- any and all -- would heal him and he sought them often. He was even told in one blessing that his days would continue according to his faith (at that time; we always receive further instructions in further blessings).

My greatest use of priesthood blessings is for direct revelation -- a communication device. I talk a lot to God and I'm not so good at listening. But I know for a fact, that for me, my Savior and / or my Heavenly Father are THERE when I am, for example, being set apart for a calling, and that it is their words coming to me through audio waves, and I am so grateful for those times. They say a lot of things that may not directly have to do with my calling but about my life.

[mom_of_jcchlsm]

I have been healed once by a priesthood blessing, and have been promised wholeness in another blessing which I have yet to receive (or maybe recognize).

When I was a fairly new member - 3 months or so - I had purchased airline tickets to visit friends for a long weekend. The afternoon I was to fly out, I suddenly got violently ill. Dizzy, nausea, fainting weakness. I was living in the dorms, and stumbled to my Home Teacher's room (on a different wing of the same building). It took him forever, it seemed, to find another priesthood holder to annoint me. Finally, I received a short, very powerful blessing that I would feel fine and be able to travel safely and comfortably. I walked out of his room, gaining strength with every footstep. By the time I got back to my room, I was practically energetic. I was able to drive to the airport, carry my suitcases, do everything - not a twinge of motion sickness. It was really amazing! That was the first blessing I had ever received since my baptism (I hadn't even been set apart for a calling).

Several years ago, my husband and I were talking quietly after the kids were in bed. He got very quiet and I thought he had dosed off, but then he turned to me and said that he felt inspired to give me a blessing. I was a little bewildered, but agreed, and he proceeded to give me a blessing (no annointing) that my ears would be whole and that I would be able to hear clearly and correctly (I have a lot of hearing loss from my work). That has yet to come to pass. I have often wondered why he would be prompted to give me that blessing out of the blue (had nothing to do with what we had been talking aobut), and I wonder also if my faith at the time was shakey? But I feel I was obedient to the propmting and to my husband, and I certainly want my hearing made whole. In the mean time, I have tried to stop complaining about tinitis and have taught my children to look at me when they talk and have just made do with what I have - it's not like I'm deaf, after all; I could be a whole lot worse off. But that blessing has not come through the way I thought it would.

My MIL also has a very direct healing experience with a priesthood blessing. She slipped and fractured one of her vertibae. She was hugely pregnant at the time, and they just put her on bedrest until after my husband was born about a week later (an extremely painful labor!). then they took an x-ray (which is how we know it was fractured). she was scheduled for a surgury, and asked for a blessing the day before. In the blessing, she was told that her recovery would be slow and that her body would be sore for some time, but that she should not have the surgury the next day. She wanted to just no-show, but my FIL made her go anyway to talk to the doctor. they insisted that another x-ray be taken, and they waited to see it. in the second x-ray, the fracture is there, but knit together like an old injury, and the inflamation and other misallignments are all gone. based on the follow-up, the doctor decided not to operate, though he said he had never seen anyone heal so quickly and correctly on their own.