In the Christian Science textbook, Mary Baker Eddy writes, “Muscles are not self-acting” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 199). She also states in the textbook that Christian Science “relaxes rigid muscles” (p. 162), and that “matter has no sensation” (p. 346). These were the first three facts that I clung to when I began having extreme pain in my left hip and thigh that left me almost immobilized.
I reminded myself that as a perfect spiritual idea of God, I could not deteriorate or wear out. God was my strength. So many times I affirmed that “in him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28). After several days it became clear that I had to handle fear—fear of limitation, fear of lack of mobility, fear that I would no longer be able to participate in walking or cycling. Each limiting thought was quickly reversed with spiritual truths from God.
I knew that the political situation in my country had disrupted my thinking—thrown me “out of joint.” When thinking about how to overcome this feeling, I reflected on the story of Jacob wrestling all night with an angel before confronting his brother. Jacob’s thigh got “out of joint.” The angel was ready to end the wrestling match, but Jacob refused, telling the angel, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26). As much as I wanted to be free of pain, I knew I could expect blessings and spiritual growth from this adventure.
