Spinal injuries healed
In Christian Science Sunday School, I loved Mary Baker Eddy’s poem “ ‘Feed My Sheep’ ” (Poems, p. 14 ). I especially took these words to heart: “I will listen for thy voice” and “I will follow and rejoice.”
After I graduated from college, I had an experience that made God’s ever-present shepherding power tangible to me. On my way home one winter evening, as I waited behind a school bus that had stopped for unloading, my small car was hit from behind. The other driver had apparently not seen my brake lights or the blinking lights of the bus. Rather than careening into oncoming traffic or into the midst of disembarking school children, my car veered right and wrapped around a telephone pole. Witnesses were amazed that no life was lost.
I was taken to a hospital and awoke several days later with no memory of that day. I had sustained injuries to my neck and spine that limited movement and caused me to collapse at unforeseen moments. My parents, who were not Christian Scientists, insisted that I have several neurological examinations. Physicians determined that without surgery and medication, my injuries would probably result in a lifetime of intermittent pain and the sad possibility that I would not be able to bear children normally.
I felt sure I did not want to deal with these issues on a medical basis, but at the same time, I felt unready to take a solid stand in demonstrating the healing power of Christian Science. I didn’t even try to pray for myself or call a Christian Science practitioner for help. As the months went by, I just did my best to function despite the lingering effects of the accident.
The following year, a trial ensued because the other driver’s insurance company had refused to reimburse my parents for the costs of my emergency care, doctor visits, or damage to my car. After the third day of trial testimony, I seemed to be having a mental breakdown of sorts. I was unable to see clearly (everything appeared a fuzzy gray), and I was hurting physically. Having to recall accident and injury details was stressful, and I felt guilty for involving my parents in trial and accident costs. I seemed capable of only saying “I’m sorry.” I remember feeling like a mouse.
Concerned for my well-being, my parents, fiancé, and attorney put me into the hotel room to rest alone while they discussed how to deal with my condition. I remember feeling the urge to crawl around the room until I found The Christian Science Journal I had bought and packed for the trip. Then, as I reached out to God in a simple prayer for help, a wonderful healing happened.
Randomly opening the Journal, I at first found that the words were all blurred; but then suddenly there appeared a small oval of light shining on two words I could now read: the Christ. Instantly, I recalled that the Christ has to do with the indelible spiritual identity each of us possesses as the beloved child of God. In that moment, I understood that this accident could not have had any real impact on my God-given, spiritual being.
Immediately, I felt totally strong, clear, and well. I understood where I was, what had taken place over the last three days, and that I wished the trial would end right away. Knowing that the physical problems and my mental fuzziness were truly healed, I stood up and went to the hotel lobby, looking for my family and lawyer. When I told them the good news, as well as my conviction that the trial should somehow stop, they seemed incredulous. But my lawyer pointed over his head and said, “Someone up there is certainly watching over you!”
He then explained that, only moments before, his office had notified him that the state’s supreme court had just ruled certain evidence inadmissible—a type of evidence which had been presented during our trial. As a result, the judge declared our case a mistrial. The opposing insurance company agreed to settle, paying my parents fairly for their expenses.
So grateful for this healing, and recognizing the divine Spirit behind it, I knew that I wanted to establish my future on a more solid spiritual basis. I gave up drinking, joined a Christian Science branch church, and took Christian Science class instruction. The healings have been permanent. I was able to carry three beautiful children full-term and have harmonious, natural childbirths. Some years later, I passed a demanding, required physical exam for a strenuous ranch manager’s job.
Through continuing study of this Science of the Christ, my understanding of God’s shepherding care has continued to deepen. When faced with health, home, relationship, and financial difficulties, or with danger, loss, or other issues, our family has had many heartening proofs that the Christ is ever with each of us, comforting, protecting, guiding, and imparting whatever uplifting ideas we need in ways we can best apprehend them. For this growing understanding of present spiritual reality, I can never express enough gratitude!
Suzanne K. Goewert
Golden Eagle, Illinois, US
