Testimony of Healing November 23, 1992 Issue

In 1988 I was exercising with ropes in my backyard

Henry G. Rutledge, Jr.

In 1988 I was exercising with ropes in my backyard. I had tied them so that if one rope broke, the other would hold me from falling. However, this arrangement did not work as I had planned, and I wound up severely injuring the palms of my hands; a knowledgeable individual said I appeared to have third-degree rope burns. I also injured an arm. I had never experienced such severe pain, and my own prayer did not provide relief.

Right away I called a Christian Science practitioner who agreed to pray for me. She also suggested the services of a Christian Science nurse. When I spoke with the nurse, she told me how to care for my arm and hands properly while praying to God for healing. Because I could not recline to sleep, the nurse showed me how to sleep sitting up by properly arranging pillows. Since my wife was away for two weeks, church members brought food; one kind member even put herself "on call" for my needs.

Despite my intense discomfort, I studied writings by Mary Baker Eddy during the day. During the mostly sleepless nights, I either sang hymns or listened to cassette tapes produced by The Christian Science Publishing Society. These activities helped me to find relief from the pain. After two weeks I was not ready to go back to my job. However, my supervisor suggested that, instead of my using up all of my sick leave at home, why not come in to work and "sit around." She said she would find something I could do. I thought this was an excellent suggestion.

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