A healing I had a few years ago made me realize more fully...

A healing I had a few years ago made me realize more fully the importance of these words of Mary Baker Eddy (Manual of The Mother Church, Art. XVII, Sect. 2 ): "Gratitude and love should abide in every heart each day of all the years."

I found myself caught up in some inharmonious conditions and quite a bit of pressure at work. The more I fought to correct these circumstances, the deeper I seemed to sink into depression and hopelessness. This was manifested in many problems, including mental and physical collapse, periods of unconsciousness, and paralysis on one side of my body. However, a Christian Science practitioner's unselfed love and constant spiritual recognition of God and His presence were of immeasurable comfort when the going was rough, as were the tender care and encouragement of a relative and friends.

The turning point came when I honestly and humbly yearned for a deeper insight into the qualities of gratitude and love. As I focused more on God's love and goodness to all His children, love and forgiveness replaced earlier feelings of injustice and memories of wrongful treatment. My complete freedom came after many weeks, but so much was gained during this healing that it could never be measured by time.

Recently a bone was broken in my foot. The discomfort was great and insistent, but I knew I must take a firm stand working with this statement by Mrs. Eddy from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (p. 397 ): "When an accident happens, you think or exclaim, 'I am hurt!' Your thought is more powerful than your words, more powerful than the accident itself, to make the injury real." I prayed earnestly along this line. One day shortly afterward I received a call to go out on a nursing case. Although this entailed a four-hour drive, I felt I should fulfill my duties as a Christian Science nurse. "Whatever it is your duty to do, you can do without harm to yourself" (ibid., p. 385 ).

On the way there, I was somewhat hesitant and alarmed when the foot became swollen and painful. I was tempted to wonder, "How can a Christian Science nurse present such a picture to a patient needing care?" Immediately this suggestion was corrected: "You're not there yet, so get busy and see the unreality of this lie." I recalled Mrs. Eddy's explanation of the nature of the angels Michael and Gabriel in Science and Health (see pp. 566–567 ). I saw that Michael's spiritual strength and Gabriel's message of Love's presence are essential to Christian Science healing. With spiritual strength I denounced the error. Then the quiet consciousness of Gabriel was realized. A tranquil recognition of the ever-presence of Love inspired and uplifted me. On reaching my destination, I realized that the foot was functioning normally in every way.

My deepest gratitude to God and appreciation to Mrs. Eddy, especially for the Church Manual to stand for all time as guidance for all Mother Church members. What blessings follow one's obedience to its rules! My gratitude is profound also for the dedicated service of The Christian Science Board of Directors and for the loving support of practitioners when needed.

(Miss) Susan Barbara Francis
Phoenix, Arizona