Plenty to consider

Thank you on the deepest level for having these conversations with the Christian Science Field. I have worked and prayed for, and eagerly anticipated, what a greater understanding of Christian Science nursing can do for both our Field and the world. 

The meetings we all had in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota) had such a sense of grace and purpose, which continues to blossom. Our churches here have a keen sense of support for one another and continue to be generous in supporting Christian Science nursing activity, and these meetings brought out an even deeper level of understanding and turned our thought to new possibilities.

What could this greater understanding of Christian Science nursing do for the movement and the world?

What could this greater understanding of Christian Science nursing do for the movement and the world? This is what I’ve been cherishing:

To understand the role of Christian Science nursing, is to recognize the qualities a faithful Christian Science nurse expresses, and to see that these qualities can inform our own practice of Christian Science each day. Through what she or he understands and puts into practice, a Christian Science nurse can help us to:

Overcome any anxiety associated with childbirth and the fear of sickness and death. 

Christian Science nurses have a wealth of experience to share in these areas by helping to mentally insist on the fact that God is Life. We don’t have to be reluctant to tackle these issues honestly, but can deal with them patiently and fearlessly. 

 Overcome a sense of shame when dealing with illness.

In my work as a Christian Science practitioner, I come across this often. A patient is hesitant to call and so waits until a situation gets worse, or feels they are being a burden. There are other cases where they do not want to call on the help of a Christian Science nurse because they are feeling some pride or feel that would be admitting “defeat.” The role of the nurse ousts shame right out of the picture, helps in denouncing any of mortal mind’s false claims, and gets on with the business of comfort and healing, expecting progress and regeneration all the way. There is no shame in our honest struggles as we progress spiritually and demonstrate Truth.

Learn how to maintain an atmosphere of healing. 

This is central to the work of the Christian Science nurse. The wealth of experience that many Christian Science nurses have would bless our movement in so many ways. When working as administrator at a Christian Science nursing facility, I often heard comments from visiting sales people or family members, not familiar with Christian Science, commenting on the healing atmosphere they felt, and some of these people actually experienced healing. Our churches thrive with that same healing atmosphere! We are already seeing healing happening in our church services; imbibing the spirit of Christliness that all of us need to demonstrate will help multiply this even more.

I have seen the bridge that Christian Science nursing can be to those learning about Christian Science for the first time.  

I’ve also been thinking about what an elevated understanding of Christian Science nursing can do for the world, reaching beyond our own churches and families. Many of our Christian Science nurses who have been in contact with other types of nurses have felt a sisterhood and brotherhood in terms of a sincere yearning to address the patient’s spirituality. Christian Science nursing can help articulate the spiritual impetus that many in the nursing profession feel has moved them to become nurses. Christian Science nursing is based on spiritual qualities and spiritual truth, so it can be a support to the spirituality that many of those in the helping profession are seeking or already embrace. 

In my brief experience working on the Christian Science nursing floor as an aide, and then later as administrator, and now as a Christian Science practitioner and board member of a Christian Science nursing organization, I have seen the bridge that Christian Science nursing can be to those learning about Christian Science for the first time. Christian Science nursing embraces the universal qualities of mothering, so really it embraces people with what they understand most fundamentally. This can sometimes make the next step of understanding the law of Love, God, good (that is, Christian Science), more credible and easier to assimilate.

I am so thrilled about where this elevated understanding of Christian Science nursing may lead us!