During World War II the organization by which I was employed was affected by a shortage of labor. Observing the difficulty that was experienced in obtaining men to do jobs necessary to maintain the high standard of the institution, I went to the manager and asked if I might wash windows. My request was granted, and I was properly trained for the work in the use of the safety belt.
My motive was so right that great joy came to me through the work. One day, however, the bolt holding the strap of my safety belt broke. The strap gave way, and I plunged five stories to the terrace below. On the way down I called out, "God is my life." I did not lose consciousness and soon was able to call out for help. The terrace was in a secluded spot, but someone heard my second call for help and came to my aid. I never shall forget how close to God I felt; not for one moment did I yield to the belief that life is in matter. Had I done so it would have been all over.
I was taken on a stretcher to a place where I could be cared for. My face was badly cut, my nose was broken, and there were internal injuries that made it impossible for me to move. I held to Mrs. Eddy's definition of man, which reads in part (Science and Health, p. 475), "Man is not matter; he is not made up of brain, blood, bones, and other material elements." The definition further says, "Man is idea, the image, of Love; he is not physique."
