Many summers ago, my husband, our four sons, and I were invited by dear friends to join them for a day at their beach house. As everyone was getting out of the car, one of our sons asked me to stay, as he wanted to share a thought he had read in the current Bible Lesson from the Christian Science Quarterly. It was about God being present wherever we may be.
During our visit, this son and I decided to go for a swim. The water was smooth and we were enjoying ourselves. However, it wasn’t long before a riptide had formed—something I had never experienced before, even though I had been involved in water sports for years and felt that I knew how to handle myself in the water.
As the current was pulling me away from shore, I remembered what my son had said earlier as we left our car—that God is present wherever we may be. I felt as if I was being sucked underwater as waves crashed over me. I was hardly able to get any air. Then this line from a hymn came to mind: “In atmosphere of Love divine, / We live, and move, and breathe” (H., Christian Science Hymnal, No. 144, adapt.). It was just what I needed, and it helped calm my fears.
By now I had lost sight of my son. Suddenly another wave hit me. But this time it buoyed me above the water, allowing me to inhale a big breath of air. However, as I tried to swim, I was once again tossed about and wasn’t sure what direction I was going.
I continued praying, knowing that God’s hand reaches where no man’s can, when all of a sudden I had an intuition to raise my hand as high as I could above the water. My son saw my hand and swam over and pulled me out of the riptide. He had managed the waves better than I, and helped me to the shore, where I was able to breathe and just lie quietly on the sand.
I had never been in such a fearful experience before with hardly a moment to choose what to do. Even then, though, I knew God’s love was guiding and supporting me every moment. I am so grateful for the numerous healings my family and I have had during many years of living and applying the truths of Christian Science.
I was honored to serve my former branch Church of Christ, Scientist, for years in various capacities, including as a Reader, Executive Board member, and Sunday School teacher. All those experiences strengthened my understanding that God’s love is ever present, and therefore healing is assured.
I am so grateful for Christ Jesus, our Way-shower, and for our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy.
Edna B. Craft
Santa Monica, California, US
