Sacred Ground

by Robert Frank Tidwell

 

Robert Frank Tidwell tells of an experience with prayer and fasting which blessed his life.  He writes:

 

On December 23, 1971, I mentioned going to Dr. Bob Budge.  In checking me over, I drew his attention to a small, hard lump in my right groin which had been there for over two years, appearing shortly after my last hernia operation in 1969.  I asked the doctor if it could become malignant.  He stated he could not tell for sure.  I said, “If you think it best to have it out, let’s do is as soon as possible.”

 

He said, “I will think it over and see what I can do, then I’ll let you know.”

 

Well, I came home feeling a little downcast as I had been through operations before, having had nine surgeries.  Before retiring that night, I got on my knees (as usual) and asked Father in Heaven for inspiration that I may know what to do.  I told the Lord, I didn’t want to have my body cut into again and prayed that the lump would be dissolved without an operation.  My dear wife also fasted and prayed for me.

 

The next morning I could hardly wait to call the doctor at his office to learn of his decision.  At 10 a.m., I phoned.  He was not in, but Bonnie Littledyke answered.  I repeated what the doctor and I had discussed.  She immediately went and looked at his record.  She came back and said, “The doctor has you booked at the hospital for December 30.”  I then asked if I could have this date canceled, and she was agreeable.

 

The next morning when I arose, I felt the lump (as usual) and also felt another soft lump about the size of a large pea.  There was no pain or soreness.  The following morning this had broken and bled some on my garments during the night.

 

My dear wife got a clean, white cloth and I washed it with hot water from the tap.  I then took a piece of gauze and taped it on the spot where the bleeding had occurred.  That night I removed the gauze.  The wound  had bled a little more.  I then washed it again and placed a band-aid over it.  The next morning I removed the band-aid, and the wound seemed to be healed up.  Three or four days later the hard lump was completely gone and has never returned to this date, three months later.

 

Now I feel that this was done for my good and benefit.  I should not like to stand and make public this blessing or miracle.  These scriptures, D&C 84:73 and Matthew 7:6 state so.  But I would like those who read my life history to think of these things seriously and not speak of it too often.  I have had others tell me of similar cases of healing through faith, administration, and prayer, but this has come to me directly for my good and benefit.  I hold it too sacred to belittle, so I am careful who reads it.

 

This is something that can come to anyone if desired and faith is manifested.  The scriptures say, “Ask and you can receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you.”  I am thankful this desire came to me.  I know that our Father in Heaven lives and answers prayers, that Jesus Christ is his son and that his gospel is true.  This is my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.