I would like to share two healings that I am very grateful for. They are touchstones in my life that I refer to often. They remind me that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
I was raised in Christian Science and attended Sunday School, but in my teen years and early twenties, I didn’t practice its teachings. I even got to the point where I had antagonistic feelings toward this religion. Then came an injury to my foot that was extremely painful. For three days I could only hop around the house and was unable to sleep, as I was so uncomfortable.
Even though I wasn’t practicing Christian Science, I wasn’t in the habit of going to a doctor. The thought just never occurred to me.
I was visiting my mother at the time. She was practicing Christian Science, although she never tried to push it on me. I now know she must have been praying for how to meet my need.
After seeing me struggle so much, on the third day she gently asked me if I would like to call a Christian Science practitioner. Through tears, I said yes. I don’t recall what the practitioner said to me over the phone, but I do recall her gentleness and compassion and how I felt loved. By the end of the call, I was completely healed! The pain disappeared. I was in awe and told her so.
I immediately fell asleep and rested peacefully for 15 hours. When I awoke, there was slight discomfort. Again I called the practitioner. We spoke briefly, and again the pain completely dissipated.
How was this possible? I was not a churchgoer at the time or practicing Christian Science. But I had gotten to the point where I was looking for answers to what life was all about. I had even investigated other spiritual practices and philosophies not based on the Bible, but I hadn’t found them satisfying. My thought was open—just not to Christian Science, or so I thought.
So, how did the healing happen? It was my willingness to “repent,” which simply means “to think differently” or “reconsider” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible). I was willing to hear God’s message that I was His beloved child, made in His image and likeness as stated in Genesis 1:26, 27. Since God is Spirit, that means my true being, the substance of my existence, is spiritual, whole, complete, not lacking anything good. As the saying goes, “Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.”
Thus began my journey back to studying and practicing the teachings of Christ Jesus. Not long after, I started attending a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, and then became an active member, and a few years later I took Primary class instruction in Christian Science—a two-week course in learning how to heal spiritually as Jesus did.
Some years later, when our kids were in their teens, we were on a camping and hiking trip at a remote, high-elevation location. One day, after we had reached the peak of a mountain, my son got frustrated with me over something. He proceeded down the mountain wanting to put distance between us. I followed, ruminating about the situation and being frustrated with him. In this distracted state of thought, I stepped into a hole created by a large dislodged stone.
After dinner, I could not put any weight on that foot. There was no cell coverage, so I couldn’t call a practitioner for help. My husband and daughter read to me from the Bible and Science and Health, but it just felt like words. I found no relief.
Eventually, everyone fell asleep except me. I was lying awake in great pain, unable to sleep. I prayed the best I knew how but nothing helped. Finally, I reached out to God in humility and asked, “What do I need to know?” Immediately the answer came, “Love your son.” I was startled and thought, “Well, of course I can do that!” I love our son. My thought was flooded with love and appreciation for him, and in that moment the pain disappeared instantly.
I was astounded! I wanted to shout with joy and hug our son. I couldn’t wait for the morning so I could do so and also apologize for any behavior on my part that had been annoying. I slept peacefully.
The next morning I was tempted to hesitate and not put my full weight on that foot. Then the idea came to me that, no, God’s work is awesome and is done; it’s complete. And with that I proceeded to walk normally.
Both of these healings have been permanent, and I continue to lead a very active life. They’ve proved to me that truly we are spiritually made. As Paul says, “For in him [God, Spirit, Love] we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
I am so grateful to be learning more each day through my study of the Bible along with Mrs. Eddy’s writings, which illuminate the spiritual and practical meaning of the Scriptures—that God, Love, the source of all love, is always present. We can turn to our all-harmonious Father-Mother God day or night, at work, in the car, at the store, in the mountains, the desert—anywhere—and expect our prayers to be answered and to find healing.
Christ Jesus’ healings show us the way to think, to live, and to love so that we can follow in his footsteps and heal too. He proved God’s great love for all mankind. This healing power is available to all.
Linda Sirola Noren
Petaluma, California, US
