From adolescence I was plagued by sprained ankles. They could occur at the drop of a hat, anywhere, anytime. Two weeks of rest, tensor bandages, and hobbling about would ensue. It never occurred to me that prayer could put a stop to it all or even help.

At a certain point in my life, my days started early and were full. One morning, while doing my chores before school, I turned my ankle severely. Then, as I limped about, it happened a second time. The pain was excruciating. It was impossible, however, for me to stop everything and put my foot up to begin the therapy I had used in the past. I resolved to continue with my day, although it seemed impossible to do so. Taking the day off from my job was not an option, at least not until I got to school and was able to make preparations for a substitute teacher. I was certain I was facing several unthinkable hours on my feet.

This was an extremity that became God’s opportunity. After I arrived at school, it occurred to me that I could call a Christian Science practitioner to ask for help through prayer. Christian Science had sustained me through many very difficult situations in my life. I had not yet taken Christian Science class instruction but was active in my branch church and enjoyed a growing sense of the spiritual nature of life. I popped into the school’s telephone room and made a brief call to the practitioner, in which I described my plight. The practitioner agreed to help.