After playing tennis one evening, I woke the next morning unable to raise my right arm. This surprised me because I had actively played tennis for years with practically no physical difficulties.
I now realize that I had not been alert to widespread concern about sports accidents and injuries, so heavily emphasized on TV and in locker room conversations. My physical problem was actually an outward manifestation of this public concern; I had allowed it into my consciousness, and not realized this. Even now I did not realize the need to pray.
The next time I played tennis, I could only serve the ball underhand. Also, I was unable to swim or do things that require reaching. My concern was increased by unsolicited, albeit well-meaning, medical advice from fellow tennis players, including a sports therapist who said he thought I would probably need an operation if I expected to continue playing.
