While I was visiting my sister, she and a neighbor and I were out for an evening walk. My sister was having some construction work done, and there were pallets and cinder blocks lying about. While we surveyed the progress of the construction, I stepped on a pallet without looking, and my foot slipped down between two boards. I lost my balance and fell sideways, with my foot still wedged against the boards. When I tried to stand, there was a very sharp pain in my leg. I excused myself and made my way back into the house as graciously as I could. There, I went to a back bedroom where I could collect my thoughts and telephone a Christian Science practitioner.
The practitioner was calm and clear and loving in her explanation to me of what my real, spiritual condition is, assuring me that God's offspring can never be injured. Shortly thereafter, my sister and I sat down together and prayed quietly. While I sat there, thoughts of my immediate future worried me. The following day I was to drive home, and the following weeks were filled with plans for activities with my friends and family. I began to worry about all these plans. How could I do all these things? But then I realized that worrying about the prospects of matter was admitting to the outlook of mortal mind and putting off healing. I set these concerns aside and resumed my prayer.
In Science and Health, the answer to the question "What is man?" begins: "Man is not matter; he is not made up of brain, blood, bones, and other material elements. The Scriptures inform us that man is made in the image and likeness of God. Matter is not that likeness" (p. 475). What an astounding statement to consider when facing what appeared to be a broken bone. I decided to try to keep my concept of myself focused on that spiritual image and likeness of God. As I did so, I felt something rearrange itself in my leg. Within a short time I felt peaceful and, as it was getting late, I decided to retire for the evening. Trying to walk was still very painful, however.
