I should like to testify to the wonderful protection and guidance Christian Science affords its students.
My husband and I drove over sixteen thousand miles in twenty different European countries, relying on Christian Science to meet our every need. Constant use of Mrs. Eddy's statement on page 454 of the Christian Science textbook, "Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way," as well as our daily study of the Christian Science Quarterly Lesson-Sermon, helped us to bridge the language barrier, find sleeping accommodations without reservations, and demonstrate protection from traffic accidents and car trouble over a period of nine months.
We spent one month driving through Spain, and as we neared Seville we were constantly warned that accommodations would not be available as the yearly fair was about to start and reservations were always made six months in advance. Nevertheless, half an hour after entering Seville, two days before the fair, we found excellent accommodations on the outskirts of town. We were told, however, that the room must be vacated the first morning of the fair. At this time my husband was experiencing distressing hernia symptoms, and we longed for more time to be quiet and pray. Without human urging on our part, the management later told us we could remain for the first two days of the fair.
Our isolation from other Scientists or practitioners was frightening as my husband's condition became critical. I knew a telegram must be sent to a practitioner at home; and seeking someone who could speak English and assist me, I drove alone to town. However, the town was taken over by the gay festivities, and my car was literally pushed out of the main square, in which a place to park was not available.
I turned completely to God for guidance and felt impelled to return to the main square. This time a car moved out, giving me space to park. I then walked through the sea of foreign faces to a young Spaniard about a quarter of a block away—as directly as though he had been an acquaintance. When asked if he spoke English he replied, "I do, madam, and I am at your service." Never have words sounded so wonderful to me! At his suggestion we left the car and walked blocks to the telegraph office, where he had to write the telegram three times to meet their requirements. I could never have sent it on my own. He asked no personal questions and courteously directed me back to our hotel after giving me an hour of his time.
Because my husband and I felt a sense of relief as soon as the telegram had been sent, there was some improvement in his condition. We began to realize more clearly that man can never be isolated from God's loving care. As we read in Psalm 139 (9, 10), "If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me."
My husband responded immediately to the wonderful work done by the practitioner; and when the time arrived to relinquish our room, he was ready and happy to travel on.
I had a healing of what appeared to be broken ribs during this same trip. After the accident I asked to be left alone for a few moments until I could realize that a spiritual idea contains no matter to break or bruise and that man is the spiritual idea of God. In a very short time I experienced a wonderful feeling that my true self was entirely separate from the belief of a material body. Then pain and nausea quickly vanished.
The next morning I drove the car as we continued our journey, and I experienced only an occasional reminder of the incident for about three days. After that I had no more trouble.
We have had many other healings in our family over the years, including those of severe sprains, third degree burns, and bilious attacks. Most important of all is the continuing healing of false traits of character, which do not belong to God's man.
Words seem inadequate to express my gratitude to God for Christ Jesus and also for Mrs. Eddy, who revealed to mankind the fact that our ever-present God is omnipotent good who heals, protects, and guides.
Laguna Beach, California
