In March 2018, I woke up one morning with a large hot spot on the inside of my upper thigh, apparently a bug bite. I didn’t think much of it, assuming it would just go away after a while. However, it continued to worsen, and by the end of the week I could barely walk because of the pain and inflammation.
My coworkers were quite concerned and pressured me to see a doctor or go to a hospital emergency room. I never saw what bit me, but a couple of friends did some internet research and declared it was probably a brown recluse spider, whose bite is considered quite poisonous and potentially life-threatening.
I wasn’t tempted to seek medical help, though. I felt at peace about relying on Christian Science for healing. However, I really wanted the pain to go away—and fast!
I reached out to a Christian Science practitioner to pray for me. She reassured me that divine Love was taking care of me and that all was well. The pain lessened greatly over the next day or two after that. I was also able to get a substitute First Reader, who kindly filled in for me at my branch Church of Christ, Scientist, while the healing was in progress.
A couple of days later, the wound started bleeding profusely. Since it was in an area that was difficult for me to see, I called a Christian Science nurse for help with bandaging. She was very joyful and patient, reassuring me that I could expect healing because I actually was a spiritual idea of God, always cared for and always perfect. I didn’t need to be impressed or afraid of the mortal picture, which wasn’t the truth about me.
The Christian Science nurse came daily for about a week, and I felt there was significant progress after each visit. Meanwhile, the practitioner continually affirmed that I was under God’s protection and that there was nothing toxic in Spirit’s creation that could harm me. She reminded me of Mary Baker Eddy’s statement in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, “Clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred cannot reach you” (p. 571).
I wrote down several toxic memories that had been disturbing me, and then prayed with spiritual facts about God and man to counter each one. I also claimed the truth expressed in Hymn No. 144 in the Christian Science Hymnal:
In atmosphere of Love divine,
We live, and move, and breathe;
Though mortal eyes may see it not,
’Tis sense that would deceive.
(adapt. © CSBD)
That was a reminder that I couldn’t be impaired, because there was no evil in God’s kingdom to attack me. All of God’s creatures dwell together in harmony.
My coworkers were still quite concerned, but when I confidently told them a Christian Science nurse was visiting me daily and I was praying with an experienced church member and making steady progress, that seemed to lessen their fears. I went back to the office the following week, walking slowly but with no pain, and they were happy to see the progress I was making.
About three weeks after the bite, I was able to conduct the Easter Sunday service at church with much rejoicing and dominion. I felt that in a small way it was my own resurrection, and that I had been lifted above mortal sense. In a couple more weeks the skin on my thigh had completely closed, and soon after that I was able to walk normally. Within two months after the bite, all the swelling and tenderness was gone.
Not long afterward I got a second bite on the other leg, but I was much less impressed by the physical picture and prayed with greater confidence. This time the bite was healed quickly.
I’m so grateful for all I learned through these experiences. Previously I had sometimes doubted I could heal physical challenges through Christian Science, but this time I resolved to trust God without wavering or letting pressure from others influence me. These healings have dispelled my earlier doubts. I’m much better able to maintain a consistent trust that God is caring for His children, and all is truly well.
Laura Burke
Matthews, North Carolina, US
