While on a trip, I woke up one morning covered with bedbug bites, and I had hives as a result. I stayed inside that day because I looked quite a sight and did not want to upset anyone. However, I was concerned and called a Christian Science practitioner to help me through prayer. She told me right away to stop looking at matter and read this statement from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy: “Look away from the body into Truth and Love , the Principle of all happiness, harmony, and immortality” (p. 261).
Growing up in a Christian Science Sunday School, I learned that Truth and Love are synonyms for God. God is good and loving, so Truth and Love must be beautiful and peaceful. I realized that Mrs. Eddy doesn’t say, “Look away from the body and do nothing,” but we are to look into Truth and Love to find healing.
I also reasoned that, metaphorically speaking, in order to change a picture on a screen one must change what is in the projector. That is to say, I needed to change my thinking in order to heal what was projected on my body. I wanted to see portrayed on the body what is spiritually true about me, harmony and perfection. I became less fearful.
I knew that healing could be won only by completely relying on God and the truth of His perfect creation, and on no other basis. This shift in thought brought more peace.
I prayed to know that while I was sleeping, I could not be maliciously attacked by anything. Hymn 144 from the Christian Science Hymnal came to thought. It begins, “In atmosphere of Love divine, / We live, and move, and breathe.”
I realized that I was always in this atmosphere of divine Love, so I was always safe because I could never be separated from God. At this point all fear went away. Within 24 hours I was completely free of itching and had no marks whatsoever. And I moved to a different hotel for the rest of the trip.
I was deeply grateful for this quick healing. I realized that even the smallest ray of truth and understanding brings about a prompt and radical healing.
