Since the demonstration of Christian Science isn't so much a matter of certain "major" healings occurring in a lifetime, as of day-by-day spiritualized living, it's again time to share some of the wonderful fruitage our family has had, ". . . to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever" (Ps. 30:12).
To some extent every member of our family in recent months and years has proved God's ever-presence in breaking away from limited patterns imposed by a false, mortal sense of being. Derived from the understanding in Science of perfect God and perfect man, spiritual well-being has been manifested in consistently good health; productive, useful living; abundant supply—all contributing to each family member's ability to reach out further in service to God and to mankind.
In learning of man as the spiritual image of Life, God, the only Mind—never as originator nor creator, but always the reflection of his Maker—I've found increasing freedom from a false, personal sense of responsibility, including the tension, confusion, pressure, burden, and fear that usually accompany it. This freedom has brought happy, unlabored performance of family, church, career, and civic duties—without conflict or feelings of depletion. Also, as our children have grown and moved in their varied directions, an understanding that the divine Mind, Love, which has always maintained our footsteps, is now, in a sense, "placing" theirs, has given me comfort, freedom from concern, and confidence in God's care. But my greatest gratitude is for an expanded realization that there are not two creations—forever in conflict—but one only, that of God, Spirit, the All-in-all.
A while ago, my husband and I were driving two cars across the country in a move to another city. Though it was midwinter, the weather had been excellent— with sparkling clear skies—and the highways had been entirely dry, without snow or ice. Late one bright, beautiful afternoon I was listening to cassette tapes [produced by The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts] of Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. At one point I was considering a statement I'd just heard (pp. 214-215): "Neither age nor accident can interfere with the senses of Soul, and there are no other real senses. It is evident that the body as matter has no sensation of its own, and there is no oblivion for Soul and its faculties. Spirit's senses are without pain, and they are forever at peace. Nothing can hide from them the harmony of all things and the might and permanence of Truth." I realized these weren't simply uplifting thoughts but spiritual facts of being, everywhere present as divine law.
Then as the car topped a slow rise, without warning I was on ice, which had been made invisible by thickly blowing snow only about a foot above the pavement. The painted lines were totally obscured by this scudding screen. Not realizing there was ice, I thought I'd better slow down and move to the outer lane where I could use the edge of the road as a guide. However, even the least touch of brakes on the hidden ice was enough to send the car into a spin, which was exactly what happened. But in the very instant the car left my control, without even a hint of fear, the thought came quietly, "God is here." In the next seconds the car spun from the freeway into the wide median ditch, rolled, and settled upside down, packed with snow from a shattered window which had acted as a scoop.
Despite the apparent upheaval, I was fully conscious and perfectly all right. There was no disorientation, emotional reaction, or, later, what is termed shock. Also, I never even had any sense of being upside down! After the car came to a stop, I simply turned off the ignition. I then noticed that the car seemed filled with sunlit peace and stillness, and I felt the Christ presence—an ineffable sense of God's love and care.
Very quickly voices outside indicated ready assistance. "Are you all right?" I was asked repeatedly. Each time I answered, "I certainly am," knowing that divine Truth asserts its own authority, which is wholly acceptable to its idea, man. The rescuers tried to open the door opposite me, but couldn't, and so came to my side. They couldn't seem to open this door either, so they called for shovels. Then I assured them that they could open the door and urged them to try again.
This time the door opened easily and I stepped out.
During the stillness before outside aid arrived, I became aware of a tiny, somehow distant voice speaking in rather measured tones. Then I realized it was coming from my cassette player—still operating under all that snow! I knew that the powerful truths those words were voicing— and the pure, perfect, present living Principle of which they spoke—governed me and everyone. In fact, so complete was my awareness of indestructible Life embracing all, throughout this experience not one person even mentioned medical assistance, ambulances, or first aid. There was simply ready, loving help given.
When I reached our camper, which my husband had by then backed up to where I was, the young man who had helped me out of the car said, "You'd better look at your face, ma'am." I did so and saw it was bleeding from several minute, but unfelt cuts. Centered in complete consciousness of God's goodness and power, I knew absolutely that there was no other creation than His, no place for any so-called opposite to exist. This erased every material suggestion that presented itself, then or later. The bleeding stopped instantly. I cleaned my face, and the next morning there was no evidence of these cuts, nor of a slightly larger one on my neck. There were also no other physical aftereffects such as bruises or stiffness.
By then night had come with wind fiercely increased and visibility correspondingly decreased. Cars and trucks spun by, some landing in ditches on both sections, east and west, of this ice-glazed quarter mile. A patrolman prophesied grim consequences before the sanding trucks could get there. Again, the deep consciousness of God's absolute government calmed my thoughts. We learned later that not one individual had been injured that night, though tow trucks had been busy untangling various vehicles.
I'm grateful for my husband's steady, tireless, and inspired presence of mind. He took effective steps to help other travelers as well as ourselves.
This experience was one more proof that "great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee" (Isa. 12:6). Everyday, as Mrs. Eddy discovered and faithfully demonstrated in Christian Science, God's promises are fulfilled! She states (Science and Health, p. 131), "The central fact of the Bible is the superiority of spiritual over physical power."
God's laws continue with us in all times to be loved and obeyed, delivering mankind from every lie of supposititious evil. When acknowledged and adhered to, as Christ Jesus our beloved Master taught, these laws reveal in tangible terms the Love that is Truth and the Truth that is all-power—one divine Principle, embracing one's neighbors as well as oneself and one's family, from next door to the ends of the earth.
Palo Alto, California
