Testimony of Healing December 30, 1967 Issue

For many years I have desired to express in the periodicals my...

Ruth E. Bradford with contributions from Dorothy Emma Sellers

For many years I have desired to express in the periodicals my deep and humble gratitude for the many proofs I have had of God's love, for our Master, Christ Jesus, and for Mrs. Eddy, whose teachings have brought me so very close to God. Understanding that God is always with me, I know that in any emergency or illness which may try to present itself He will not fail me.

One afternoon when I had just finished burning leaves, an explosion set my clothing afire. I could not open my eyes. I ran and rolled myself in damp leaves. Then I pulled off my wool stocking cap to beat out the flames around my head, thereby setting fire to my hair. I quickly extinguished it so that only the hair on the right side was burned. I then went into the house to call a Christian Science practitioner. Knowing that the practitioner was giving me treatment, I was not frightened; also, I did not realize how very severely I had been burned.

The physical evidence the next morning showed I had indeed received severe burns. The practitioner, to whom I am very grateful, continued to give me treatment. The following Bible verses, always an inspiration to me, were a great comfort in this experience: "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" (Deut. 31:6), "Your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God" (I Cor. 2:5), and, "Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite" (Ps. 147:5).