Several years ago, in the course of a few days, my ankles and feet became swollen and were in severe pain. It was a struggle to stand and move even using a walker. From my study of Christian Science, I knew I could overcome this by seeing it as a lie—a dream of imperfection that God hadn’t created. I contacted a Christian Science practitioner to pray with me, and I went to a nearby Christian Science nursing facility for support.
I was so grateful for the loving and fearless care of the Christian Science nurses. Instead of seeing me as vulnerable, unhealthy, or material, they saw me as already spiritual, whole, and perfect, and they expected the body to conform to this view. They didn’t diagnose illness or injury or recommend medicine, and they didn’t attempt to take the place of the Christian Science practitioner. Instead, they provided practical support and comfort that helped meet my needs.
Although I felt I was making progress, a whole host of other problems piled on. At times, these ailments seemed like a tempest attacking me from all sides. But the practitioner reminded me of this comforting idea from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy: “The notion that both evil and good are real is a delusion of material sense, which Science annihilates. Evil is nothing, no thing, mind, nor power” (p. 330). I was also inspired by what Science and Health states we should do when the illusion of being sick or sinful tempts us; it urges us to “cling steadfastly to God and His idea” (p. 495).
