“I have headaches, terrible fevers, nausea, weakness, muscle aches and worsening vision.” Dona Maria was animated as she described her symptoms at CEML Hospital. “I also have pain on urination, back pain, dizziness, ringing in my ears, and tingling in my toes.” I proceeded with a physical exam which reveal no anomaly.
I was perplexed. “What in your life could be causing you stress?” I inquired. Dona Maria paused, and then began to weep. “I have seven children and live on a small farm. Last year my husband suddenly died. I could not possibly care for the young kids and farm the land. With no money and little food, I came quite close to losing our home.”
“What saved your situation?” I inquired. Dona Maria sat upright, slightly more composed. “Church leaders heard of my plight. Some of their young men came and repaired our leaking roof, and they are planting corn in my fields today. The women of the church gave me a bag of corn meal to hold us until harvest season.”
I explained how her symptoms didn’t match any particular illness, and then asked, “What do you suppose would help relieve your symptoms?” Dona Maria replied, “There’s a verse of scripture that’s especially meaningful to me: ‘Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make your requests know to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.'”