Article August 1, 2005 Issue

When the pain gave way TO PROGRESS

By Elizabeth Schartz

The van was packed and ready for our trip. The cat-sitter had all the necessary instructions. A new message was in place on the phone answering service. When our two passengers arrived to join us for the two-day drive, we would be on our way. All was well ... except for me!

My friends, my husband, and I were scheduled to attend a Bible study seminar that was to be held on the California coast. I had been looking forward to this week of rest and relaxation for many days. One by one, I had checked the projects off my list—house painting, gardening, and assigning duties to others—as I raced to get it all done before we left. The added responsibility of caring for a member of my family who needed extra attention had seemed to stress me to the max.

During this period, I was suffering from symptoms of kidney malfunction, including extreme pain in my lower back. In times like these, I naturally turn to God for healing. But the trouble had been worsening for several days, despite my consistent prayers. I tried to hold my thought to this line from my handbook for healing, Science and Health: "Whatever guides thought spiritually benefits mind and body" (p. 149).

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