100 temples: Wake-up call
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Although I was baptized April 22, 1945, I never had a strong desire to go to the temple, because I thought I had plenty of time to do that later. My most intense wake-up call from Heavenly Father came on Dec. 23, 1996, in the form of a massive cerebral hemorrhage and two heart attacks. While I was at death's door, my fiancee, Brenda Popham, called my diligent home teacher, Steve Chambers, to give me a blessing. He and his companion came immediately to the hospital. Much to the surprise of everyone, except Heavenly Father, I survived! Through the dark days of recovery I prayed fervently for forgiveness and His guidance in my life.
At one particularly dark time, I was asking for guidance in receiving forgiveness, in following His commandments, in being worthy to receive my temple recommend and receive my temple blessings. While I was on my knees a prompting came to me that a way would be provided.
Throughout the following three years of my recovery, I was aided by a brain injury specialist, who had recently joined the Church, Patsy Cannon. I was legally blind, could not put thoughts together for conversation, or remember many things from the past or current day. However, through the power of the priesthood, I can now drive short distances in the daylight hours, attend Church, and function at home and in the community. Little did I know how quickly my prayers concerning my temple blessings would be answered. I knew my prayer was being fulfilled when the construction of the Birmingham Alabama Temple was announced. (The temple was dedicated Sept. 3, 2000.) The red letter day of my life was when I received my own endowments on Sept. 20, 2000. — Clois L. Herring, Birmingham (Ala.) 1st Ward
