Many of the parables I’ve written over the last three years were based on something I was thinking about or that was going on in my life. The Parable of the Doctor Visit came out of an important principle that the Holy Ghost taught me when I was going through a difficult period.
In this parable, a woman named Lauren visits Dr. Moore, fearful that the various physical problems she’s experiencing are pointing to a terminal illness. (This parable was not intended as a lecture for hypochondriacs—Lauren really was having those problems.) But Dr. Moore assures her that these are not signs of a serious health problem that will bring about Lauren’s death.
Lauren’s symptoms represent the struggles and weaknesses that are common to humankind. More important than the problems themselves was the fact that Lauren was seeing her doctor about them, and the doctor was giving her some remedies. It was important for Lauren’s health that she understand that none of these problems were permanent.
When we struggle with faults or sins or even just the challenges that beset us in life, it can be easy to treat them as if they are an indistinguishable part of us and therefore permanent. When I was feeling down on myself for an extended period, the Holy Ghost changed my perspective by pointing out to me in a moment of reflection that none of the things I was discouraged about would last forever. I can’t tell you the hope that I felt when the Spirit gave me that understanding. Through Christ, I will ultimately overcome these things.
I remember that I made a similar point to my children when the COVID pandemic was underway and they thought that all of the changes we experienced would last the rest of their lives. I assured them that such things do not, in fact, last forever. And now some of them—the younger ones—don’t even really remember it.
Similarly, when Heavenly Father’s plan has been fulfilled and this mortal life is in the rearview mirror, the sin, pain, and discouragement we struggled with here will be a distant, faded memory and will no longer hold any sway. In this Easter season, I express my gratitude to Jesus Christ for being my escape from these problems. He will set me free from sin and death, and then the only things that will be permanent will be my salvation and exaltation.
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The Weekly Parable 