Broken foot healed
Several years ago, when my twin grandsons were still infants, I drove across the country with my sister to visit my daughter and my grandchildren. Our visit was slated to last just a week or so, as I had my annual Christian Science students’ association meeting afterward in yet another state.
As we sat down to dinner at my daughter’s, one of the babies began to fuss, so I went to pick him up, expecting to hold him while we ate. As I held him and walked back to the table, I tripped on an obstacle and began to fall forward. My greatest concern was to avoid falling on the baby, and although he was startled, he was unharmed in the tumble. I was mostly unhurt, but my foot was painful and could bear no weight.
I was so thankful for the baby’s safety, and I immediately declared that as God’s reflection, I could neither be fallen nor suffer injury. I was helped up and managed to get to the couch, where I called a Christian Science practitioner for prayerful help in overcoming the difficulty.
The following day, my sister and daughter expressed concern at the swelling and bruising of my foot and urged me to at least have it X-rayed for their peace of mind. I visited a local emergency room, where the X-ray showed that three bones in my foot were broken. I was told I would need surgery to have the bones properly set. I explained that I was a Christian Scientist and would rely on prayer for the healing. Although they predicted dire consequences if I relied on prayer alone, the doctors released me with my foot in a rigid boot. They also provided me with crutches, suggesting it would be six to eight weeks before I could walk unaided.
This diagnosis was frightening, and when I returned from the hospital, I called the practitioner again and told her what the doctors had said. The practitioner responded by reminding me of the definition of opinion: a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact. In other words, while the doctors certainly had my best interests in mind, the medical diagnosis couldn’t be the final word about me, since I am purely spiritual, made in the image and likeness of God. That healing thought eliminated all the pain, and while I still could not bear weight on the foot, I continued to know that I could not be separated from God. God is everywhere—as the Sunday School rhyme goes, “There is no spot where God is not.” I was embraced and upheld by God’s strength and under Mind’s government, which is only good.
I also prayed to know what to do about the driving situation: I had been the primary driver on this trip, and it appeared I could not drive with my foot in the boot. The loving work of the practitioner covered all aspects of this healing demonstration. When I first called her, I had expressed concern that I would have to miss my association meeting. She had responded that I could expect to be walking perfectly when the time for that meeting came.
As we could not postpone our return home, my niece lovingly flew out to become the primary driver. On the drive home, I listened every day to Hymn No. 453 , which has the refrain, ‘Rise up and walk!...’ (Peter B. Allen, Christian Science Hymnal Supplement Hymns 430–462). I knew I was obeying the divine command to be free.
Before we were home, I could put weight on the foot, and once home I could wear normal shoes. Within two weeks, I was free of any impediment and have been without any evidence of injury or effect from this incident for over four years.
At the appointed time, I drove ten hours by myself without pain or limitation and attended my association meeting, walking freely and rejoicing. For this demonstration and for so many other blessings, I am profoundly grateful.
Molly Nash Larson
Virginia Beach, Virginia, US
About the author
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