—Maika Buchmiller, Highland 11th Ward
I suffer from a chronic illness and have for the last 21 years. 12 years ago I was living on my own when my health changed to a point that it became disabling. I was barely working 5 hours a week, my savings were all used up, I could barely walk, and I needed money not only for rent but for an expensive drug to try. It was time to realize that I had to move back in with my parents. But they needed two more months to get things ready for me. So that meant I had to ask my bishop to pay for the next two months of rent. I felt so embarrassed and so ashamed. Deep down I knew I needed help, but I kept telling myself, others needed it more. I didn’t feel desperate enough to need that kind of help.
When I met with my bishop, he said words to me I’ll never forget He told me “Maika, get over yourself. It’s exactly what this is for and you’re not better than anyone one else.” I was in complete shock. He was right. I did need to get over myself. I couldn’t believe how judgmental I was about accepting help.
Once I decided to open myself up and let others in and accept help, it was an outpouring of the Lord’s blessings. I had decided to let my friends set up a ‘gofundme’ to pay for my medication, which drew me closer to the Lord and strengthened my testimony in faith, and in accepting the Lord’s help and blessings. I’m still receiving daily blessings from accepting help and being more open as I recognize each day the Lord’s hand in my life and all that I have been blessed with. Living with a rare autoimmune disease comes with its own set of challenges.
But I know that having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father, and humbling ourselves to accept the help from others can and will bless our lives. We just have to be willing to see it.