A friend of mine was brought up on the shore of Lake Como in Italy. Her family's house was right at the edge of the water, and of course she learned to swim at an early age. One day a woman who was staying with the family said she would go for a swim with her. When they got to the deepest part of the lake, a sudden squally wind made the water choppy and the little girl became very frightened. She panicked and began to sink. The woman who was swimming near her shouted, "Camilla, put your feet on the rock!" Then she swam over and caught the child.
The woman was a Christian Science practitioner, and she was using the term rock as a symbol for Truth, for there was no actual rock near where the child was. The little girl, who was also a Christian Scientist, knew what the woman meant, and her obedience to that command calmed and steadied her and actually helped to save her from drowning.
My friend tells me she still remembers the feeling she had of God's presence with her, steadying and upholding her in her great need. She says that even today when she becomes flustered or panicky about anything, she remembers that instruction she was given as a child—"put your feet on the rock!" Then she feels again the strong foundation of Truth supporting her, and she is grateful for the calm assurance it brings.
