One day, some years ago, a friend gave me a lift home in her car and drew up near my house to drop me off. As I was getting my golf equipment out from the back seat, the car suddenly rolled backward over my left foot. I shouted for my friend to shift into forward gear, fearing I would be dragged backward along with the car. But, in her panic, she shot the car forward and hit the car in front of her.
We were both terribly upset. I was disturbed at the thought that in doing me the good turn of driving me home from the golf club, my friend now had to sort out an insurance case, and her premiums would probably be increased. On the other hand, she was extremely distressed over what she might have done to my foot, having inadvertently put the automatic transmission into reverse, rather than park. Despite the pain and shock, I assured her that I was all right, and I limped into the house.
When I took off my shoes, I noticed a red mark on my big toe, and, as a heavy car had gone over my foot, I felt the situation was serious enough to call a Christian Science practitioner and ask for treatment through prayer. The practitioner spoke to me very firmly about the fact that my friend and I were both wrapped up in God’s love, and that we live in divine Love, the kingdom of heaven. In this atmosphere of Love, there is no cause but God; therefore, there is no cause of suffering of any kind. I was so assured by the practitioner’s firm declaration of truth that I instantly accepted it. It released me from the fear that any of the bones in my foot might be broken, or that my friend could suffer from her kindness. I felt confident that I could go on with what I had planned to do that day, such as preparing lunch and sweeping up the leaves from the front garden.
