When I was a teenager, I once closed a car door on my bare foot

Linda Pratt Rives

When I was a teenager, I once closed a car door on my bare foot. I immediately said aloud "the scientific statement of being" from Science and Health (see p. 468), which I had learned in the Christian Science Sunday School. As I still had difficulty walking, my father, who is not a Christian Scientist, took me to the emergency room for X-rays. The doctor told us the foot was broken, but because of the type of injury, it would not be possible to put a cast on it. I was told to come back at a later date to see if it would then be possible to do so.

After returning home, I studied Science and Health and read hymns from the Christian Science Hymnal. Although I still limped from the injury, later the next afternoon, as I walked across the room, I felt the bones in my foot moving into place. There was an audible crack, but no pain. By the time I returned to the doctor for my follow-up visit, I was walking normally. The doctor couldn't tell which foot had been broken and remarked that I was a "good little healer."

About ten years ago I became ill with flu-like symptoms. The symptoms were so severe that my employer urged me to seek medical attention. I felt that it was necessary to do this in order to avoid jeopardizing my job. Since I had decided this was the flu, I expected the doctor to confirm that and send me home to recuperate. The visit didn't go as I had anticipated, however. After several tests were completed, I was told that my muscles were deteriorating and that the illness could be one of a number of things, including polio.

I was miserable and full of fear when I left the doctor's office. I read and reread that week's Lesson-Sermon found in the Christian Science Quarterly, until I felt at peace. As I thought of all the healings I had experienced through Christian Science treatment and quietly expressed gratitude for them, I realized that I didn't have to accept the diagnosis I'd been given. It was no part of me, and I had no reason to fear it. The healing took place immediately. I returned to work the following day, completely free of symptoms. The problem never returned.

I have had many healings in Christian Science, including sprains, broken bones, colds, headaches, depression, anxiety, unemployment, and relationship difficulties. I am grateful for this wonderful healing Truth and for the many blessings that have resulted from taking class instruction with a teacher of Christian Science.

Linda Pratt Rives
Greensboro, North Carolina

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