Testimony of Healing November 19, 2007 Issue

A LIFE TRANSFORMED

JOAN MARSHMAN

Thirteen years ago, before I knew anything about Christian Science, I was diagnosed with lupus (auto immune disease). I was also being medicated for a longstanding battle with high blood pressure.

One day, after a serious episode related to my blood pressure, I found myself lying in a hospital bed in the intensive care unit because my doctor thought I was having a heart attack. I wasn't allowed to get up, and the medicated patch on my arm nauseated me. I remember the wonderful, sweet nurse who rubbed my back and took care of my hair. And, oddly enough, I remember thinking, "There's nothing wrong with me; what am I doing here?"

My weeklong hospital stay gave me a lot of time to think and to pray. I was a very religious person and had even considered the Episcopal ministry, which was not open to women at that time. My prayers went like this: "OK, God, I've been under a lot of stress working for people who don't necessarily treat each other very well. I'm pretty much done with the first half of my life, during which I've been working for other people. Now, I'd like to spend the second half working for You. What do You want me to do? I just want a job where I can feel free to express who You are to others."

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