Our communities, as well as our lives, are truly held in God's gentle, protective care. Recently I had an opportunity to witness God's control of my life. The city in which I was attending college was undergoing a great deal of fear because of the occurrence of highly publicized crimes against women. Since I was a student teacher in a public high school, I heard much discussion on this subject. But I neglected to deny the belief that man could be either a sinner or a victim; I did not challenge this suggestion through prayer. In Christian Science we learn that in reality man is a child of God, loved and loving. God, our Father and Mother, cherishes, guides, and supports us all. Armed with this knowledge, we need never fear. I wrongly reasoned that I didn't need to pray about this sort of problem because I would never have to deal with crime.
One evening my girlfriend and I returned home early to the downtown apartment that we shared. Before falling asleep, I read an article a friend of mine had written for the Christian Science Sentinel. I focused on recognizing all mankind as my family, then fell asleep, feeling at peace. At three o'clock in the morning I was awakened by a pressure on my face and neck. Initially, I thought that my apartment mate was playing a joke on me, but when I asked who it was, it became clear, as the grasp grew harsher, that it was not a joke nor my friend. I was being attacked by a man who had entered our apartment through a window.
Fear of being harmed was instantly replaced by the calm assurance of God's presence. When I was able to speak I gasped, "You are God's man." Upon voicing this truth, I knew that God, good, was with me, guarding and guiding me. The next time I was able to speak I again stated, "You are the child of God." At that moment a strength other than my own lifted the man off me and into the center of my bedroom, and I was able to call out for help. He then fled, passing my roommate in her doorway. God had protected me in a potentially dangerous situation. In that moment it became clear to me that I could never, ever, be out of reach of God's care. Although the man had struck me twice in the face with his fist, at no time did I feel pain. I realized that safety is not dependent on a weapon or the presence of another person. Safety, like strength, is derived from God.
