WE ALL HAVE A STORY TO TELL: ASHLEY JENKINS

Hey!    Hey Kimberly, this is Ashley Jenkins. I wrote on your Instagram how much I enjoyed your posts. I thought I would share my thoughts on how god has worked in my life.

My story starts as a new Mom to my first baby girl. Right after I had my first C-section, I started having some horrible stomach pains, pain so debilitating, all one could do is lay on the floor and cry. I spent many nights hospitalized, only to be sent home that they just couldn't figure out what was wrong.  I had 2 more C -section births only to have the pain get worse with each birth. I went to every doctor I could think of, tried every "natural treatment" I could find that was offered(over $15,000), went to countless specialists and out of state treatments.(insurance paid out over a million dollars in testing) No one could give me answers, so I lived with pain(different degrees of pain) for 7 solid years.

The doctors all suggested I live gluten, dairy, soy, and fruit free life. This was a horrible adjustment as I felt like i had no more enjoyment in food.I am 5'9 and weighed 100 pounds during my worst. I just couldn't find out what was wrong.

During this time in my life is where I truly got to know my Savior Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father. I felt The Lord in all expects of my life. I felt like I couldn't enjoy my children because the physical pain caused so much agony, but he made up for my weakness. He held my hand as I laid on the floor and cried. He put his hand on my shoulder as I prayed. I prayed to him multiple times a day for guidance and he answered my prayers.

I had been giving a blessing by the proper authority of the priesthood, that told me I would be completely healed of this pain, and that one day I would be able to eat all foods again. During the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th years I questioned that he had forgotten me, and was truly just watching me suffer.

Heavenly Father helped me to feel joy when I was depressed. He lightened my burden when I couldn't take it anymore.

On the 8th year, I was going in for my 6th surgery on my stomach, and when I woke up from anesthesia  I knew my trial was over. The doctor informed me they finally found the source of all my pain, that they cut out all the growths on my stomach lining and bowels.

I learned 2 important truths about trials.
1-that things ALWAYS get better, no matter what it is
2-that trials change you. You either become the best version of yourself or the absolute worst version of yourself.

So how has god worked in my life? He changed me, he taught me how to love unconditionally and forgive, he taught me sympathy and empathy. He taught me family and relationships with people is all that matters in this life. He taught me that no matter how bad the trial, that he is always there for me and understands what I'm going through. He showed me what true joy feels like, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Love Always
Ashley Jenkins
Xoxo
.............................................................................................................................................................. Have a story to tell? Email me: bostonksox@gmail.com