Katy’s Healing
This is adapted from a post on my personal page earlier this week:
This morning I awoke from a dream. In the dream, I was very aware of all of the current difficulties that my daughter, Katy and everyone responsible for her care are dealing with. To enumerate current problems:
Katy was diagnosed almost 12 years ago with Rett Syndrome. A rare genetic mutation that manifests as a neurological disorder. As a part of Rett Syndrome, Katy lost the ability to talk. She lost use of her hands for any useful purpose, like reading a book or using a computer or even to feed herself. Her breathing is irregular, she either hyperventilates or holds her breath very often. The breath holding has become a bigger part of the day and makes it difficult for her to concentrate on schoolwork.
Katy does walk, but, due to global apraxia, cannot continue in a purposeful direction for very long without assistance. In the last year, it has become a problem that she constantly tries to scoot out of her seat, making it necessary to pull her back up into her chair. She weighs about 100 pounds now so that is a tiring task. We believe this is due to discomfort from scoliosis, another common Rett side effect. Katy has one leg significantly shorter than the other and one forearm shorter as well. This means she requires a lift in one shoe. Her physical limitations mean that audio books and movies are her main activity. Lately she seems to have lost interest in most movies. She loves to be outside and the cool weather is good for that, but she does not perspire much, (another Rett issue), and that means that in warm weather we cannot stay outside for long. All of this is the most obvious assortment of “steal, kill, destroy.” (John 10:10) Essentially, Katy is in captivity to her body. That is not OK.
Since the day of her diagnosis, almost 12 years ago, the scripture verse that I have clung to is John 9:1-5, “As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?”
“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.”
Immediately when we received the diagnosis, the enemy tried to come and say that it is because of our sin that she was born this way. The word of God immediately came to me and I said, “No. That is not true. This happened so that the power of God could be seen in her.” The word of God is the truth and it is our only offensive weapon in spiritual warfare. It is the very same weapon that Jesus used when He was tempted in the desert.
With this dream last night calling my attention to her suffering and ours, I feel that the Lord is saying it is time for His power to be seen in her. Jesus said that while He was in the world He was the light of the world. But later He told the disciples, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matt 5:14-16)
Katy’s healing must be a light to the world. We cannot settle for her being happy in her current state. Let God’s power be seen in her healing and be a light to the world that the power of God is real and the love of God is present for His people, for those who call on His name. Let Katy not just be healed, but also, like the leper who came back to give thanks, let her be fully restored in all of her body. Let her hands regain function, her limbs lengthen to be the same as the other side, her spine be made straight, her mind fully restored.
Katy is a co-heir with Jesus and everything that belongs to Jesus belongs to her right now. Jesus’ perfect health and abilities belong to Katy. We claim them for her now. We want to keep calling out to the Lord on her behalf. We want to persist in prayer and not give in until she is healed.
We believe the Love of God for Katy is without question and without measure. We believe the Bible is not a history book, nor a work of fiction or mythology. Therefore, Let us not be afraid to put Him to the test in crying out for her healing.
We believe that the blood of Jesus was shed so that our sins are forgiven and the body of Jesus was broken so that our bodies are healed.
So,
“As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6: 1-
Please pray with us. On Wednesday, February 15, 2017, my husband and I will be initiating a fast for the next 40 days. It will end on Sunday, March 26. If you are willing to fast, even 1 meal or 1 day with us and pray, we believe the prayers of many will be heard. In Jesus, all God’s promises are Yes and Amen. Let us believe his promises wholeheartedly and expect Him to answer with Yes and Amen!
Wholehearted Women 
Adele Bill,
I apologize for not reading this earlier and responding however it got lost in the mountain of communications I am sinking in. In my daily davening (prayers) you and Katy are in those prayers and the least I can do is to extend my prayers for the three of you as you have requested.
I admire you both and you commitment to faith and to your precious daughter who is a gift from G-d and an inspirational light not just to you but for those around you. Our Jewish sages teach us that we are never given responsibilities we cannot with effort overcome and this is done in some measure to test and strengthen our faith and reliance in the blessed one. The term Tikkun Olam (to repair the world) comes from the Mishnah which says ” do not be daunted by the enormity of the worlds grief. Do justly , now. Walk humbly , now. Love mercy , now. You are not obligated to complete the work, (Tikkun Olam) but neither are you free to abandon it. Katy please continue to be the inspiration to us and your parents who we join in prayer for your healing.
Stan and Patty Kephart
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