Preston's Healing

I called Valerie today to see how Preston is doing. He has been out of school for a week with a fever and other flue symptoms. I was relieved to hear that the fever has subsided and he is beginning to get some strength back.

Preston has brought so much joy in his nine years. He has a cheerful, upbeat spirit, a big smile that shines from his lips right through his eyes, and an overflowing love for everyone. From pre-school to his present 3rd grade class, his teachers have always commented on what a joy he is to have in their room. When Preston is sick, we all miss the "sunshine" he brings into our family.

I'll never forget the day Preston was born, November 19, 1999. I was blessed to be there and watch the excitement of his mom, dad, and three brothers when they viewed him for the first time. I enjoyed snuggling with him and feeling him softly breathe against my neck.

Shortly after Preston was born we noticed that his eyes acted different than any newborn's we had seen. Instead of just weak eyes that would sometimes roll from side to side, Preston's eyes would roll completely back into his head and all you could see was the white of his eyes. The doctor confirmed this wasn't normal and the next three weeks became a whirlwind of test.

Before Preston left the hospital, he was given a Cat Scan. Since the test was non- conclusive, he was sent to an eye doctor. The eye doctor expressed concern that Preston may have a brain tumor and set a date for a MRI and an appointment with a neurologist.

The Sunday before the MRI was taken Valerie took Preston up to the prayer line. After the regular prayer with the prayer team, Pastor Cal called Valerie over and asked the whole congregation to stand and pray for her baby. Our friend, Linda, reached up to touch Preston and he wrapped his little hand around her finger. Pastor poured his heart out in prayer and Linda said, "I felt the awesome power of God go through that little baby and surge through my body." On the way back to her seat, Valerie turned to her dad and commented, "Preston is healed." From that moment on his eyes were normal.

When Valerie took Preston in for his MRI, the technician couldn't believe this was the same baby in the chart he was reading. He kept saying "Explain to me again what was happening with your baby." Valerie shared how Preston had been prayed for and she believed God had healed him. The neurologist confirmed that Preston was fine. When the eye doctor received the MRI report, he called Valerie to follow up. After she shared about Preston's healing, the eye doctor responded, "a vertical eye condition never corrects itself, so you indeed have received a Christmas miracle."

Valerie had no doubt about her son's healing being a miracle. The Sunday she was planning to take Preston up for prayer, she had to fight a spiritual battle. The enemy discouraged her by reminding her how prayer didn't save her first son. The car wouldn't start and then two year old Quinton threw up on himself in the car and again at church. But the enemy didn't win and Preston received his miracle.

Thinking of Preston, I am reminded how Jesus said in Mark 9:14, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." From the wee newborn baby to the seasoned senior citizen, everyone is loved and important to their Creator.