The Power in You

Posted by Justine | July 19, 2008 | 26 Comments

We had some friends once who wouldn’t take the sacrament if the bread wasn’t home-made, whole wheat, preservative-free bread. They believed that anything else, “wasn’t really food” (their words, not mine).

I knew others who wouldn’t seek medical help because doing so would show a lack of faith.

A neighbor down the street thought that saving money for retirement (or anything else, for that matter) was also showing a lack of faith.

A member of a previous ward believed that western medicine was a tool of the devil. If it couldn’t be solved herbally, the horrible consequenses must surely be the will of the Lord.

Evil vaccinations, ritual chanting, shaman, I’m seeing it a lot more these days, are you?

Now, I’ve got cayenne pepper pills next to my Tylenol in the medicine cabinet, I’ve been known to use lavender to cleanse, or garlic or heal. I’m not afraid of alternatives. I’m just worried about extremities. I’ve watched people begin in moderation and slide toward fanaticism with alarming unawareness. I’ve seen people become their own prophets, join polygamist sects, shun and ridicule those who think differently. A friend was once doing accupressure on me, telling me about the power in her to heal me, and I voiced my concern to her.

“Do you worry about moderation? Do you worry about becoming too fanatic in your expressions?”

“Where moderation exists has shifted for me. I’m still living in moderation, I believe. But moderation is much farther my direction than I previously believed.”

That scared me. And true enough, she has left the church.

Humanism, in its crafty and subtle disguise of partial truth, scares me to death. Heavenly Father wants us to feel our divine nature, to feel the power within us. But it scares me because I see so many take that divinity within each of us, and try to become their own prophets, their own Gods, their own Savior.

Should I be scared?

Category: Daily Special

Comments

26 Responses to “The Power in You”

mormonhermitmom
July 19th, 2008 @ 10:39 am

I don’t think fear is necessary, just a healthy dose of scepticism. I have seen some weird “healing” systems too. When I was growing up, my mother was constantly looking for some system that would help keep us healthy without a lot of expensive doctor appointments. Unfortunately, she ended up buying a lot of stuff that in the end didn’t work too well. By the same token, I’ve known family members that went to modern doctors and the doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong and ended up doing more damage than if they had just left the original problem alone. My belief is that if you need treatment beyond a balanced diet and regular exercise, then it is up to you to research available options and make up your mind what is best for you. You always have the right to ask God in prayer if a treatment is appropriate for you. I think God created a world with many plants and herbs that, if used carefully, can help us with many physical ailments. Much of modern medicine comes from experiments with natural substances. Of course, there are some things that won’t be helped with herbs. A burst appendix must come out. And when we have done all we can sensibly do, there is always the option of a priesthood blessing. I say let these other folk who float to the fringe go their way. You choose what is best for you.
Jia
July 19th, 2008 @ 10:41 am

I’m scared for my brothers and sisters. Mostly because I’m one of these fanatics. I love alternative medicine, I trust very few vaccinations if any and I believe in many conspiracies that involve our food and drugs and a certain administration. I went to college in this feild and was taught to perfect an ability to remove pain and stress (Massage Therapy LOL). I’ve been given the ability to heal.

Keep in mind the words I’ve chosen aren’t how I normally speak. I chose them specifically to showcase your point. That people are taught certain things, or given certain talents and spiritual gifts and they forget where they come from. Doctors too could easilly say, “I have the power to heal you.” But they often don’t. I think it’s because Western Medicine as a whole is cold whereas Eastern and Alternative Medicine, which believes that the spirit and body are connected, are more influenced by other guidelines.

In Massage School for instance, I was the only LDS girl there. They said that there was once another one, like 4 years ago. Everyone else was athiest, pagan, and lived “alternative” lifestyles. It’s much like living in the world, especially a world that as you said is sliding towards fanaticism.

I think as members it is our responsibility to share with others that it’s Heavenly Father that gives us all our talents and spiritual gifts. That it’s through his holy priesthood where real action takes place. And it’s through the Savior Jesus Christ where true healing begins.
tonya
July 19th, 2008 @ 1:54 pm

I think sometimes we tend to overthink things. We forget that God is there to help us. Yes, there are herbs to try, but I also think throughout the ages people have been inspired to make medicines and procedures that can, and should, help us.

My mother is very into Asian cures and I definitely see how those things can help us. But she is quick to point out that the medical establishment is also there to help. She believes we should do all we can to fix our diets, and ourselves and do all the research we can about our problems – and if that ends up to be going the doctor route, she’s ok with that. Sometimes I feel like she’s a little extreme in the non-medical way, but she does acknowledge that all knowledge is from God. It’s up to us to do the research and find out what can help us.

My mother-in-law, on the other hand, believes everything doctors tell her. She takes a handful of meds and thinks there is a pill to cure everything. She doesn’t even know what some of them are for. That is not being responsible.

I think it is up to each of us to decide what will help us. We need to be an informed people, and I think it is our duty to question everything before we decide what is right for us, and only us. As much as I would like to tell everyone what to do (because I’m a red and always right), I realize it’s ultimately up to the person.

I have a hard time with extreme-ism in anything. I don’t understand it. Although as I look at my life, I’m sure there are some things that people would see and call extreme. I guess it’s just how we look at things.

Your post has made me think. Sometimes we can go too far. The trick is to find a happy medium in all things.
jendoop
July 19th, 2008 @ 2:44 pm

tonya, you put it well and I agree.

Recently I’ve been diagnosed with arthritis (I’m only 35). It is one of the top illnesses for consumer fraud. I am seeing a specialist, but it takes time and patience for a more specific diagnosis and treatment. I am doing my best to approach it with ‘wisdom and order’. Well meaning people who suggest fad cures make me feel as if I’m mindlessly going along with the Dr, or am lazy about my own self care.

My FIL has a saying he picked up in Saudi Arabia-
“Trust in Allah(God), but tie your camel.”
Meaning you can have faith in God but it is still common sense to tie your camel or you’ll be without transportation very quickly.

God has given us many gifts- knowledge, modern medicine, herbs, priesthood blessings, etc. He expects us to use our gifts much in the way the Brother of Jared did to light his barges.
jendoop
July 19th, 2008 @ 2:49 pm

sorry I forgot to say-
I am such an advocate of the mind body connection. That if our mind is troubled our body will be. And how we feel about our body effects how we take care of it and how it serves us. We don’t think enough about that aspect of the resurrection, that our mind and body will still have to learn to get along and it is worth working on here.
Dalene
July 19th, 2008 @ 2:58 pm

I have been so saddened over a number of loved ones who have looked beyond the mark, been pulled further and further away–for whatever reason–and left the church.

There is a fine balance necessary in recognizing our gifts and talents, acknowledging they came from God, and seeking His wisdom in knowing best how to use our gifts to serve our families and others. I think the key is to seek and acknowledge God’s hand in all things.

Now I’m going to go take my Glucosamine and my Omega-3 oil pill and do my part to stay mobile and sane for another day.
eljee
July 19th, 2008 @ 3:06 pm

I agree that extreme-ism is on both sides; it is not inherent only in the “alternative” camp.

In the past I’ve been heavily involved in the natural family living” culture (though I could never completely live up to it all myself). I’ve backed away in the last year or more. I feel like I’m in a very moderate place at the moment. I can definitely think of examples of the extreme from the people I’ve met. However, there are many other families who are just trying to do what’s right for themselves like everybody else. I’m not sure it’s fair to call “extreme” choices of others that we don’t understand or don’t choose to make for our own families. If somebody wants to homeschool and eat only organic food or even be vegetarian, great! I applaud them! For me, the biggest sign of extremism is when some starts thinking their choices are the right choices for all the rest of the world–when you can’t be friends with someone who doesn’t homeschool or doesn’t eat organic food. Or when you’re angry at the person who dares to give your child a plastic toy for Christmas instead of a wooden, fair-trade toy. Or, as has been mentioned, when you start preaching your choices as the gospel, or trying to make gospel principles conform to your worldview, instead of the other way around.

But truly, I’ve seen this just as much from people who are not “alternative”. How about the doctor who actually yelled and swore at me because I expressed an interest in seeking alternative treatments for infertility? He was extreme is his belief that his way was the only right one. He saw himself as “God” in his field. He wasn’t looking at the universe or the divine around him to find ALL truth. It was his way or the highway.

Or how about the many, many parents and other consumers who simply take what their doctors say as the complete truth, who never question the safety of vaccinations or antibiotics or anything else their doctor throws them? I think it’s naive to assume that doctors are immune from politics, narrow-minded thinking, group mentality, advertising dollars, and other market-forces that influence them–things that are NOT related to medicine.

I’ve been trying in the past year to distance myself from any particular camp and just try to be open to whatever inspiration I might receive about any decision I might be making about my health, parenting, etc. It’s hard to separate myself from messages on both sides of the spectrum that have ingrained themselves deeply in me. But it’s also liberating to be right smack in the middle!
courtney
July 19th, 2008 @ 3:07 pm

I do think they key is moderation, but like your friend, it’s scary when moderation isn’t a fixed point.
I do think there is a lot of merit in alternative medicine. My mom has a number of health problems, and she uses essential oils right along with her percocet. My aunt, however, believed that she could overcome breast cancer by eating only fruits and vegetables and having her aura cleansed on a daily basis– she died. My other aunt buys (often literally) in to every alternative medicine practice that comes her way and she recently left the church.
I like jendoop’s comments– I really think there is more to the mind and body connection than we (westerners) think. But I also think God inspires scientists and doctors to bless us with modern medicine. It’s all a balance.
Emily M.
July 19th, 2008 @ 3:17 pm

Justine, ooh, this is a hot topic for me. My grandma loved loved loved herbal remedies and so forth. She went to a homeopathic doctor who told her not to take the blood thinner she’d been prescribed. He measured her on some hokey fake thingie and said she was allergic to it. She was prescribed the medicine to prevent stroke. My father, a physician, strongly disagreed, begged her to take it. She wouldn’t. And, last October, she had a stroke. It left her seriously incapacitated. She says over and over that she wishes she could die.

She’s not really allergic to it. She takes it now, just fine, since the stroke made her forget about all the things she had been told she was allergic to before. The guy was snowing her. He was completely sincere about it, which makes it even more scary to me.

I know my grandma has her agency. She chose what she chose. But it’s hard for me to not blame that homeopathic doctor here too. He gave her terrible medical advice, assured her he was right and all the traditional people were wrong, she trusted him, and suffered a stroke that was avoidable.

I also really dislike it when proponents of herbal medicine mix it in with the gospel, as though they are more righteous because they do natural treatments instead of Western medicine. It can become quite hurtful, as my in-laws found out. My mother-in-law, who suffered from diabetes, was given many many types of herbal advice. Guess what! You can’t cure Type 1 diabetes with herbs! Insulin, though, that has a pretty good track record. And it’s the same with the obscure form of arthritis my father-in-law has. The implication was that they did not have enough faith to cure their diseases, that if they took just this one supplement or that other natural pill, they would get better. They learned to say, thank you for caring, but
I need to do what my doctor says. Even that polite dismissal did not always work.

I agree that there is a mind-body connection. Absolutely. I believe in miraculous healing and the healing power of the priesthood. But, I don’t believe that people who use herbal remedies are more righteous/have more faith than people who don’t. I believe they’ve found a path that works for them, and that’s great. But it’s not for me, and I’d rather not be told the latest herbal remedy, unless I ask.
Justine
July 19th, 2008 @ 4:49 pm

ooohhh, so many good comments! I love it!

I agree wholeheartedly that there is extremism on both sides. I agree that there are things that are fine for some and not for others. I absolutely believe there is a far greater mind/body connection than we realize.

I also agree so much with EmilyM that this is so often used as a means of flouting ones personal righteousness. I’ve seen people be incredibly rude to others as they explain why they’re version of “right” is better or more righteous.

I have recently come across a group who have taken these homeopathic methods and turned it into a “higher law” issue. They are quickly breaking themselves away from the mainstream church because they’ve “ready” to live this higher law. That is scary to me.

On the other end of the spectrum, though, I know we as a people probably aren’t living the Word of Wisdom as we should. Culturally speaking, we tend to cherry pick some obvious restrictions, while ignoring the other processed and unhealthy junk we shovel in.

Elder Oaks gave a very pointed talk about this in 1994. I wish I knew how to link to it. It was a talk entitled, “Our Strengths can Become our Downfall” Try here

Anyway, I’ve rambled too much already.
Justine
July 19th, 2008 @ 4:50 pm

Hey! The link worked! Cool.
CatherineWO
July 19th, 2008 @ 5:41 pm

There are so many good comments here. I have to second those who have written about respecting what others choose to do and not putting our way as the only way or the most righteous way.
Because I have dealt with chronic illness for many years, some people feel like they should give me advice. For the most part, I believe they mean well, but it is disrespectful. I have made choices in health care, diet and lifestyle that give me what I believe is the best quality of life possible with my existing disabilities. There may be other choices that would give me a longer life, but would make my life significantly less comfortable (and make me much less able to serve my family and continue the work I am doing). I know that not everyone would make the same choices I have, but we simply cannot understand another person’s decisions until we have been in her place.
Les
July 19th, 2008 @ 7:33 pm

I love the scripture “faith without works is dead”. It is my guide. To often to I think we see the tides tipping to works without faith which doesn’t work.

I think this comes from the larger post modern cultural shift that moves away from a standard judeo-christian ethic and promotes individuality and all views as equally good. I think our culture is training us to be lovers of our own selves and our own power- it no longer teaches humility, sacrifice.
Wendy
July 19th, 2008 @ 7:34 pm

I’ve really enjoyed your post and these comments, too. I join in the worry about people who “try to become their own prophets” and such, as well as those who claim they are living the “higher law.” Those mindsets can apply to so much more than health/medicine matters.

I have been very put off by (and worried about) people who recommend things that are not doctrinally sound and say, “When you’re ready, you’ll understand.”

Justine, thanks for the link, too. I have thought of that talk off and on over the years, but haven’t read it for ages. I was hoping to find the quote one of my former bosses attributed to Brigham Young about people with gospel hobby horses riding them straight to hell.

I think we all need to be cautious. Satan is so subtle. I think I don’t get fearful of humanism, etc., until it influences people I love.
Mommom
July 19th, 2008 @ 7:39 pm

Some quick comments:

- as the first comment mentioned “Much of modern medicine comes from experiments with natural substances.” If a rather potent chemotherapy agent can be derived from the simple Vinca Plant then I have to say herbs are medicine in my book. I will always include them when a doctor asks “are you taking any medications on a regular basis?” and I since there are some medications I need, I would research side effects or interactions just as I would other medications.

- In reading the original post (which doesn’t just deal with medical examples) and the comments of others, however people end up displaying the sentiment seems ultimately to be a symptom of a greater problem or problems. There are two things that immediately come to mind. Pride and ingratitude. One sets you above another when done unjustly. The other, you aren’t grateful for that which you are given. In this case I would suggest that is knowledge, or direction. Both lead to trouble.
Krista
July 19th, 2008 @ 9:41 pm

No, please do not worry about this! ))

Since fear or worry that does not lead to repentance is useless I see no reason for it. Perfect love casteth out all fear. Worrying about the choices other people make takes us away from Christ and keeps us from the arduous task of dealing with our own lack of moderation, dogmatism, and uncharitable impulses.

Because I am a worry wart and I have often been concerned about such topics as the one being addressed- I have spent many hours worrying about the state of our humanist society. It has not brought me closer to the spirit (but it has provided great fodder for conversation). My husband is my tether and usually pulls me back down to earth when I get too caught up in intellectualizing and analyzing the motives and actions of others.

Like other posters have mentioned: fanatics live on both sides of the fence. I do not think you can slide into dogmatism or fanaticism if you are in tune with the Holy Ghost and using your spiritual gifts as He dictates.

The road we journey in this life is often a lonely one. Many times the only companionship we can truly count on is that of the Holy Ghost and our Saviour.
Howard
July 19th, 2008 @ 10:54 pm

I live a healthy lifestyle and I love exploring alternative medicine, especially herbs. My best friend is an open minded doctor who also lives a healthy lifestyle.

My conclusion after many hours of discussion with her is; if you are willing to educate yourself and take an active part in your own health care, alternative medicine offers some viable choices often with fewer side effects for minor ailments and disease prevention

For trauma or serious illness, western medicine is you best bet.
b.
July 19th, 2008 @ 10:59 pm

Justine,
This is such a timely post. Thank you for writing it and sharing your thoughts. The comments have been most helpful too.
Zina
July 21st, 2008 @ 12:53 am

Howard, I think that’s very well-put. And I agree with Mommom, too – what’s the difference between herbs and drugs? They’re both chemicals that alter body function (for good or ill.)

I know this is just one thing from the original comment, but I have a pet peeve that our generation (I’m thirty-something and assume that many here are within a decade, plus or minus) are ungrateful in our mistrust and skepticism about immunizations. Not one of us has had a child crippled from Polio, whereas a few generations ago it was commonplace — and if everyone stopped getting immunized, Polio would come back. (My sister’s friend whose children aren’t immunized said “my kids’s not going to get Polio!” and is oblivious to her selfishness –that the reason her kids are safe is because others bothered to get immunized.) I can understand being leery of newer immunizations or ones that combat less debilitating or deadly illnesses, and I can understand changing the pacing of the immunizations. I can even believe that in some instances immunizations have had unfortunate side effects or harmed children — but I do think that any such harm is not even close to the harm of the now-eradicated illnesses if they were still around.

(Okay, that was my hobby horse . . . now I’ll slink back into my corner.)
m&m
July 21st, 2008 @ 2:30 am

Personally, I think it’s way too easy to get out of balance on things like this, so yes, this is something that concerns me, and something I have seen throw people off many times. I think it’s good to be vigilant and ever-watchful of ourselves, that we don’t let someting besides God become the main focus of our religion and life. Balance is soooo important.

I think a key way to keep ourselves safe is to follow the prophets with dedication and faith. And to never turn personal choice or revelation into doctrine. The prophets are the (only) ones who set the doctrine. The Lord can then give us individual guidance to help us implement doctrine. Elevating any personal choice or interpretation of doctrine to the level of doctrine, imo, is dangerous business.

Elder Cook, before becoming an apostle, gave a fantastic talk on not looking beyond the mark. It’s a favorite of mine, because I think this is something we could all fall prey to. Also, Elder Oaks’ talk on how strengths can become our downfall is also great.
m&m
July 21st, 2008 @ 2:37 am

One other thought–I think that it’s really easy to confuse means with ends. For example, the Word of Wisdom is not our main focus in life. The reason we have it is to help us take better care of our bodies — but why is that? So we can feel the Spirit more, so we can build our relationship with God. I think it’s human nature to latch onto things that we get excited about or feel strongly about. And, of course, a passion or interest or talent in and of itself is not necessarily a bad thing. But it can be if it becomes the focus of our existence and energy, for we might get distracted from the real purpose of our existence — to come to Christ.
Howard
July 21st, 2008 @ 9:46 am

Zina,
Vaccines represent the largest advancement in public health since sanitation. They are a major success of western medicine.

But the vaccine industry has done a poor job of self regulation. As the number of childhood vaccines given to an individual child has risen over the years, so have the problems.

Mercury is a toxin; it made no sense to give it to small children once less toxic options became available. Yet, mercury continued to be used until a public outcry finally forced the industry to change.

The vaccine industry brought this criticism and lack of trust upon it’s self.

I have a 4 year old daughter. She gets her vaccinations but only after I have researched what will be going into her little body.
Howard
July 21st, 2008 @ 9:49 am

m&m,
Nice message. Thanks.
Zina
July 21st, 2008 @ 10:04 am

Howard — yeah, what you are saying makes sense. I just would hate to see some horrible diseases come back, but I also agree about being wary about what goes in our kids’ bodies. I just hate to see the baby being thrown out with the bathwater (so to speak.)
Howard
July 21st, 2008 @ 10:23 am

Zina,
We agree.

The value of vaccination clearly out weights the risks. The problem is that no one wants their child to be one of the risks. So, vaccines should be as safe as current technology allows. On balance, mercury has been removed from most vaccines and the industry is now more safety conscious.
Justine
July 21st, 2008 @ 10:36 am

M$M, thank you for your well put words. Too often I think you’re right, no matter where on a spectrum we fall. We tend to quibble over details of details.