During my childhood, I attended a Christian Science Sunday School, but I stopped studying Christian Science and going to church after I married. Years later, I returned to studying this Science and visiting my local Christian Science Reading Room, but didn’t attend church services. During this time, I had an experience that was a turning point in my life.
One night, I woke up with incredible pain over my whole body. I managed to get out of bed but couldn’t stand. As I lay on the floor, I called out, “Please, God, help me!” Then it was suddenly as if the room became full of light. The words “Fear not” came to me, and, with that, the pain drained completely away. I was so overcome with awe that I remained on the floor for a few minutes, hardly believing what had just taken place.
Then I got up, switched on the light, and sat in a chair. I still felt amazed, but I knew that God had been with me, had healed me, and was still with me. I sat there expressing my gratitude for Christian Science because it had taught me to turn trustingly to God for healing. I soon went back to bed and slept peacefully. This occurred about 25 years ago, and the healing has remained permanent.
In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy talks about the biblical angels Gabriel and Michael. She writes: “Gabriel has the more quiet task of imparting a sense of the ever-presence of ministering Love. These angels deliver us from the depths. Truth and Love come nearer in the hour of woe …” (p. 567). I know that it was Gabriel’s message of ministering Love that came to meet my need that night.
This experience made me realize how much Christian Science meant to me and led me to begin attending church again. Not long after, I became a member of both The Mother Church and a Christian Science branch church.
Over the years, I’ve continued to experience proof of the healing power of God’s love. I’d like to share one such experience, which I had about a year ago. One day, before crossing the road to get to where my car was parked, I stopped to make sure that no traffic was coming. My next recollection was of me lying flat on the road, surrounded by concerned people. Apparently, I’d been hit by a car, which I hadn’t seen coming.
My first thought was that I was in the presence of God. Immediately, I began declaring this truth silently to myself and going over “the scientific statement of being,” which Mrs. Eddy gives in Science and Health (see p. 468). I knew that my life is spiritual and not material, because Spirit, God, is All-in-all.
While I concentrated on these ideas, those around me were busy with concern for me and asked me questions such as “What is your name?” and “Where do you live?” I was completely alert, able to answer those questions, and not in pain. The only evidence of the accident was a bump on the back of my head and a small bruise on my leg.
The ambulance and police had been called, and I endeavored to reassure the authorities, as well as the driver who had hit me, that all was well. I knew that there could be no accidents in God’s kingdom. As Science and Health explains, “Under divine Providence there can be no accidents, since there is no room for imperfection in perfection” (p. 424). I was not afraid during this incident because I knew God was right there with me, caring for me.
I was taken to the hospital, and after the doctor examined me, he said that he couldn’t see any reason why I shouldn’t go home. I was then discharged, and my daughter drove me home, where I continued to pray.
The next day, I still felt completely well and did some shopping in the same area where I was the day before. People who had seen the accident called me “the miracle lady.” I assured them that I was fine because I’m under the care of God’s love, just as we all are.
I continued to pray and read the Christian Science Bible Lesson every day, holding to the truth of God’s perfect providence. Within a couple of days of the incident, the lump on my head was gone. The bruising cleared up soon after.
I’m so grateful for my cherished study of Christian Science and the many healings I’ve had over the years, which have taught me to align my thoughts with God at any time and in any circumstance.
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
