My Testimony of Healing - Written By: Robert Brozoski (2004)

Thirty-three years ago, I was born with a rare defect.  I have what is known as ‘Russell Silverton Syndrome’. When I tell this to people, they look at me with confusion.  I must admit - at times, I have been confused as well.  

 

Basically, ‘Russell Silverton Syndrome’ is 2 dwarves in one body.  Even easier to understand, I was supposed to have a twin, but my twin never formed.  My entire left side of my body is smaller than my right.  I am split exactly 50/50. 

 

This has created many problems over the years - physically, spiritually and emotionally. Because my heart is on my small side, it is appears to be enlarged - but it isn't.  My left lung appears to be collapsed - but it isn't.  Up until I was 18 years of age, I wore a 2-inch lift on my left shoe – to even my legs out. Even into adulthood, the syndrome causes issues.  How many 33 year olds do you know that weigh only 83 pounds?  I don’t know of any, besides myself.  

 

There were many times as a child, teen or even young adult that I prayed to God to take my life away.  I couldn’t understand why I was this way.  I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t normal like everyone else.  Back then, I hated being me.

 

Today, I have learned to live with my birth defect.  Over the years, I have had people tell me that it is my fault, or the fault of past relatives.  I have been told that the sins of my family caused God to allow me to be born with this defect. I have been told that I do not have any faith or enough faith, otherwise God would heal me.  To this, I say the following: 

 

I have been healed – when I was born, my mother was told to prepare for an infant funeral.  I was not to live more than 48 hours after birth.  If I did, I surely would live much after that.  After that, the time increased to 6 years of age – but I would never walk or talk.  When I reached 6 years old, mom was told it wouldn’t be much longer – to start preparing for the worse.  

 

Well, I am now 33 – walking, running, jumping, and everything else anyone can do - for the most part.  Yes, I look much different than all the other adults I know.  But, am I truly different?  I personally do not think so.  Of course, I still get the weird looks from people (now from adults and the youth).  There are certain physical things that I cannot do, but I try anyway.  

 

Many people that I know tell me to get my faith stronger, and I will grow and gain weight.  I am here to say, that my faith is as strong as it has ever been.  I do not blame anyone (especially God) for my physical condition.  There have been times when I have felt that maybe, just maybe, God has allowed my small stature to help someone else - to be a living testimony of what He can and WILL do.  Yes, it’s true – there have been many youth members that I have dealt with in Scouting and church that have come to me with issues.  Many have said that because of my stature (at their level almost), they felt more comfortable coming to me – and not a "regular adult".

 

Friends, we have no idea why we are the way we are.  The healing that we have prayed for, we may have already received.  Know this; all things are good for those that love Him!

 

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5 - NKJV)

 

May the love of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship with the Holy Spirit be with you all now and forevermore - Amen and Amen!