Effects of a fall healed

Two years ago, I had an opportunity to prove the accuracy of Mary Baker Eddy’s words, “To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, to-day is big with blessings” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. vii ).

When I walked onto my driveway, I was not aware that it was covered with black ice. I recall slipping and falling, but I don’t remember getting up, walking back inside my house, getting the phone from the study, or calling my daughter-in-law.

As she answered, my clear thinking returned. I reported to her the gratitude I felt at having had the presence of mind to get up, come inside, and call her. I felt that years of learning to lean on God, “the sustaining infinite,” had protected me.

My daughter-in-law came immediately, and while she tended to something in the kitchen, I “blanked out” again. The next thing I was aware of was waking up in my guest room bed attended by a Christian Science nurse. I felt very much at peace, and didn’t feel the need to ask any questions. The one thought that kept coming to me was to be obedient—to my family’s wishes, and to whatever direction I received from God.

When my family suggested I spend time at a Christian Science nursing facility, I at first saw no need to do that since I felt fine. But since it seemed important to be obedient, I agreed. I also realized that this would give me time to study Christian Science, uninterrupted by other activities. I was very grateful for my family’s prayerful work during the time I was “out”—I am told that each of them, including a granddaughter, read to me from Mary Baker Eddy’s writings. In doing this, they expressed their trust in Jesus’ words: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32 ).

During my time at the Christian Science nursing facility I received treatment from a Christian Science practitioner, with whom I spoke daily. As a result of our prayers I felt my mobility and clarity returning, and was able to let go of some hurt feelings regarding several family situations as well. After three weeks I returned home, not having suffered any memory loss during my stay at the facility. In continuing obedience to my family’s wishes, I did not drive and had someone stay in my home with me at night. I also enjoyed the time spent studying the truth of my real being—which I knew was intact, held continuously in God’s care and not susceptible to any accident or lapse in consciousness.

It soon became obvious that I was expressing total freedom, both physically and mentally. I was able once again to drive my car, play tennis, garden, and resume my volunteer activities with joy.

Months later, my daughter-in-law told me that when I “blanked out” the second time, she realized that the negative picture being presented had to be immediately rejected as a lie. I am grateful that I called her upon reentering the house after the fall—she was soon present and ready to “pour in truth through flood-tides of Love” (Science and Health, p. 201 ).

It is a privilege to again be a witness to the healing truths demonstrated by Jesus and articulated by Mary Baker Eddy in Science and Health. Healing always comes when we are “leaning on the sustaining infinite.”

Carolyn Stein Stillman
Clarendon Hills, Illinois, US