During the summer I was walking barefoot in my home one hot afternoon when I whacked my right foot hard against the two-inch-high stone hearth of our fireplace. The pain was excruciating. I began to pray immediately because I felt that some serious damage might have been done. I knew that I could never be separated from God, good, and therefore could not suffer from the belief of a broken toe or accident, as my study of Christian Science has taught me. Science and Health states: "In Science, no breakage nor dislocation can really occur. You say that accidents, injuries, and disease kill man, but this is not true. The life of man is Mind. The material body manifests only what mortal mind believes, whether it be a broken bone, disease, or sin" (p. 402).
I was able to continue to walk, although there was pain. I did not examine the toe, but when I was showering the next morning, it appeared discolored and swollen. I continued to pray to know that I was safe, and that no breakage or bruising could occur in Science. When I walked, or any time the suggestion of pain or inharmony appeared, I knew that the spiritual, perfect idea of myself was the only true idea, and I claimed my spiritual wholeness and freedom.
Over the next couple of weeks I could see and feel my foot return to its normal condition and action as I prayed for myself. I was grateful for the quick healing and for my immediate and absolute reliance on the healing Christ.
