I have known Christian Science for seven years, am a member of The Mother Church and a branch church, and have served my church as First Reader and had class instruction. Many wonderful experiences have taken place during this time.
In my second year as Reader, one Friday evening as I was hastily painting the entrance hall to our apartment, I had a severe fall. When I regained consciousness, I strongly rejected every thought of accident and tried to go on with my work. Nevertheless, all the symptoms of a brain concussion manifested themselves, together with an almost unbearable pain in my left arm. The forearm and hand hung down as if lifeless, and it seemed evident that the arm was broken. I realized that I was faced with a difficult decision. Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health (p. 401): "Until the advancing age admits the efficacy and supremacy of Mind, it is better for Christian Scientists to leave surgery and the adjustment of broken bones and dislocations to the fingers of a surgeon, while the mental healer confines himself chiefly to mental reconstruction and to the prevention of inflammation."
As I am in government service, I was required to report the matter to a doctor. When I was told, however, that the arm would have to be straightened and placed in a cast immediately, I turned unreservedly to God. It was Friday evening. Sunday morning I had to read. An attempt to take the precaution of informing my substitute was unsuccessful, as I was not able to reach him. Not once before had I been absent from my post. When I voiced this to my son, he replied, "Don't you see that this is only a temptation?" He then pointed out that whoever God appoints, He also sustains and supports without need of a substitute. That awakened me. I realized that no physical condition can ever cause an interruption in my relationship to my heavenly Father.
