Rosemary Davis, 1st counselor in the Shoal Creek Valley Ward Relief Society, told this story in the ward’s fast and testimony meeting on Sunday, January 4, 2026:

Several years ago, I was driving to a lab for a blood draw. My doctor’s appointment was the next day, and I had procrastinated getting the test that would inform my doctor in prescribing the correct dosage of medication for me.

As I drove into the parking lot, I had the impression that I should not be there. I said aloud, “But the doctor needs the results before my appointment tomorrow!” I entered the building but again the impression came. I dismissed it and signed in at the desk. The phlebotomist assigned to me was about to insert the needle into my arm when I asked her if she was going to clean the area with alcohol. That was the first red flag! After she swabbed the area and inserted the needle, I could feel her moving it around. Then, she called to her co-worker, “I can’t find the vein.” At this point, I stopped her by saying that I was nervous and would come back another day. That evening, I noticed a small bump at the insertion site. The next morning it was much bigger. Although it didn’t hurt, it was unsightly. I resigned myself to having this “scar” for the rest of my life as a reminder to listen to and heed the voice of the Holy Ghost.

In September 2025, after being inspired by what President Jones of the Kansas City Missouri Temple was undergoing due to skin cancer, I made an appointment with a dermatologist for a screening. As the doctor examined me, she noticed the bump on my arm. She said it was a cyst that could easily be shaved off. I was concerned about scarring, but she assured me that the hole created from the removal would close up on its own and gave me care instructions. Two weeks later, after carefully following her instructions, my arm was completely healed. I was amazed and grateful as I pondered a spiritual lesson in this experience.

Just as I was wrong in thinking I would carry this unsightly bump forever, we must not resign ourselves to the fact that we are all sinners, and that is just the way we will be. We don’t have to carry that burden. It does not define us. We are children of a merciful God. With sincere repentance, the Atonement of Jesus Christ heals us and makes us whole again.  The Lord has said, ” Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.”  (D&C 58:42)