In the care of angels
The Bible is full of accounts of God’s ministering love, often represented as angels that bring healing, courage, and comfort. In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy defines angels as “God’s thoughts passing to man; spiritual intuitions, pure and perfect; the inspiration of goodness, purity, and immortality, counteracting all evil, sensuality, and mortality” (p. 581 ). In the same book, she also writes: “My angels are exalted thoughts, appearing at the door of some sepulchre, in which human belief has buried its fondest earthly hopes. With white fingers they point upward to a new and glorified trust, to higher ideals of life and its joys” (p. 299 ).
For me, these statements so aptly express the spiritual qualities embodied by the Christian Science nurse. To someone who needs skilled physical care while relying on Christian Science for healing, as I did a few years ago, the Christian Science nurse comes as a ministering angel!
In the summer of 2009, a very large lump appeared on my right side and back, limiting my mobility and interfering with my normal daily routine. By July, I was almost completely immobilized. I was praying earnestly, with daily support from a Christian Science practitioner, but the symptoms were very aggressive. Then, one evening, I caught a glimpse of my unbroken relationship to God as His perfect child. At that point, I felt something shift in me, mentally and physically. I realized that the evidence of the material senses, no matter how alarming, could not change the reality of who I was as the reflection of God. What God didn’t create or express, I couldn’t reflect. As a lifelong Christian Scientist, I had known intellectually that this was true, but in that moment I really felt it.
Soon the lump opened and began to drain. I immediately called the practitioner to tell her of this, and we both rejoiced. But I had nothing on hand to care for my practical needs, such as bandages and tape to cover the area. The practitioner suggested calling a Christian Science nurse to care for me. Now, I knew about a Christian Science visiting nurse service in my region and had occasionally recommended it to other people in need, but never had I considered it for myself. I protested that it was late (about 8:30 in the evening) and I was afraid I lived too far away for someone to want to travel the distance to help me. As I heard myself voicing the familiar resistance I’d heard from others when I’d suggested calling a Christian Science nurse, I had to laugh. Coming to the aid of someone in need is the work and the joy of a Christian Science nurse!
What God didn't create or express, I couldn't reflect.
Once called, the Christian Science nurse left for my home immediately, and I was so relieved and grateful as she came through the door into the room where I was. She assured me that because I was in God’s care, I was perfectly all right and not in any danger at all. As she began to care for me, I felt the love of God’s angels present there with us, ministering to my physical need while supporting the metaphysical work going on. She carefully helped me shower, bandaged the area that needed covering, and then helped me into my nightgown. She was so kind and gentle. Afterward, she tucked me into bed and lovingly told me that the work was done, this was the fruitage, and now I could rest in hope. I went off to sleep feeling very much the beloved child of God.
In the morning, another Christian Science nurse came to my home and aided me, reminding me of Mrs. Eddy’s statement that “divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need” (Science and Health, p. 494 ). She stayed with me until she was sure I was settled and would be cared for by my family members during the day. I really felt her care for my safety and well-being. We talked about healings we’d either witnessed or experienced in the past. This uplifted my thought and assured me of the outcome of Christian Science prayerful work—mental and physical healing!
Coming to the aid of someone in need is the work and the joy of a Christian Science nurse!
The Christian Science nurse called and checked in with me during the day and promised to return the next morning to help again. When she came back, she showed me how to care for myself and helped me feel confident that I could. This feeling of empowerment is so vital to healing—the understanding that we are not helpless sufferers, at the mercy of mortal opinions or material conditions, but in possession of our God-given dominion over false beliefs. She was so reassuring that all was and is well. I felt no fear about any physical condition. I had only joyous expectation of healing, which indeed occurred! My mobility returned almost at once. I began to do regular housework for my family, and within a short time, I was able to drive my car again. I have had no trace of this condition since.
I am very grateful for this healing, and even more grateful to know that, should the need arise, Christian Science nurses—these tender ministering angels—are here, ready to respond to each call.
I am so happy and grateful to verify my wife’s healing. I found the Christian Science nurse that came to help very friendly and caring. She expressed so much gratitude and love that I knew all was well and felt assured that the healing had taken place.
Witnessing this healing made me want to take class instruction with the practitioner mentioned, who is also a Christian Science teacher, to find out more about this healing truth. I did that last summer. I’m grateful to have seen so many healings through the years, and to have experienced the love and joy of church membership.
—James Edward Booth
