No more cataracts
My driver’s license expired in September 2011, and when I went to have it renewed, I had to take a vision test. I was not able to see the letters on the chart, so I was given a form that needed to be filled out by an eye doctor.
I made an appointment, assuming my eyeglasses would need correction. Not so. The optometrist informed me that I had cataracts and that I must have a medical procedure done by another doctor (an ophthalmologist). I was told that this was a very simple procedure and that afterward I would be able to see perfectly without eyeglasses at all. The news was very distressing, as I didn’t want to take this step, but thought it was my only choice. I called a Christian Science practitioner and told her the whole story. She told me that I did have a choice. And that the situation could be corrected through prayer.
The idea of not being able to drive my car was very discouraging. I couldn’t imagine not being able to attend the many activities in which I was involved, but I parked my car in the garage and began to dig deeper into my study of Christian Science.
Since my husband passed on a couple of years prior to this, I had found it necessary to fill my days with one activity or another—luncheons, bridge clubs, hospitality and opera guild meetings, and so on. I was often “rushing around smartly” with “no proof of accomplishing much” (Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 230 ). It was clear that I needed to cut out some of the more frivolous functions and use the extra time for spiritual study and getting closer to God.
At this time one of my daughters came to see me, and she couldn’t understand why I wouldn’t have the simple medical procedure done and be back to driving right away. She said that her friends’ mothers had had the same surgery and they were able to see better than before. Another daughter also tried to convince me to take this step. So I wrote these daughters a letter explaining my position and the radical stand I was choosing to take
—to rely exclusively on Christian Science for healing. I was able to explain that for me to submit to the procedure would be like them giving up their reliance on medicine. This satisfied them, and they agreed to give me their full support.
Initially, it was very difficult to discipline myself to the task at hand. Knowing I was confined to my home indefinitely was rather disturbing, because I was so used to running around whenever I chose. But I calmed myself and got down to business, the business of knowing that my vision was not dependent on physical eyeballs, but on “spiritual discernment” (Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 586 ). I was learning to choose only the thoughts and ideas coming from God and not the suggestion that I could not see properly.
Having found out that my neighbor was unemployed, I asked if I could hire him to drive me to the grocery store, bank, and other places I needed to go. He agreed, and we mutually benefited from the arrangement. Friends volunteered to pick me up for church and other functions and were so willing to be of help. I continued to use the extra time I had to dig deeper and deeper into my study of Christian Science with the help of the practitioner.
During this time, I decided to make a move to another city and my house sold easily. The move was harmonious, with my children helping with the many chores required. After getting settled in a new place, it felt like the right time to go and have my eyes examined again. This time the optometrist said everything looked good. There was no mention at all of cataracts. I then asked the doctor to fill out the driver’s license form.
Since about seven months had elapsed, I had to take both the written and the driving test at the Department of Motor Vehicles. I passed those tests, and I’ve been driving ever since. Although I still wear glasses some of the time, I continue to pray to understand God and the concept of vision more clearly.
Thank goodness I didn’t submit to the suggestion that the only solution to this situation was to have surgery. Trusting God was the only way to go for me. I am grateful for this healing and for all that I learned during that time. All three of my children thought it was “awesome” when I told them I was driving again.
I am ever so grateful for Christian Science, for Mrs. Eddy for sharing this beautiful Science with us, for Christ Jesus who shows us the way in life, and for all the beloved, tireless practitioners who help us get through our struggles to see more clearly.
Jerri Tisdale
St. Louis, Missouri, US
