When I was sixteen years old, I was thrown from an automobile as the result of an accident, and landed forcefully on my head. I was taken unconscious to a hospital, and my parents were called. They brought a Christian Science practitioner to me immediately. The doctor described the critical condition of a concussion, a fractured skull, and a jaw broken in two places. There were also severe neck lacerations and extensive paralysis affecting my left side.

From the time my parents had begun their study of Christian Science, they had found they could rely completely on the truth of its teachings to heal every problem that arose for themselves or their four children. They knew the power of the truth in the words of Proverbs: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (3:5, 6).

The physician told my parents that he doubted seriously that I would survive the compounded injuries. He strongly advised against moving me, but after prayerful consideration, and the practitioner's agreement to support their decision, my parents signed a hospital waiver of responsibility and release and took me home, where we could rely wholeheartedly on God to heal me. They expected healing.

While I was unconscious, a family member, a friend, or a relative was at my bedside around the clock to read to me from the Bible and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy. When I opened my eyes on the third day and said I was hungry, every one rejoiced in the evidence that the healing was taking place, and they began to give me nourishment through a straw. The practitioner was informed of each sign of improvement and continued her healing treatment. Teeth that had been knocked askew straightened, proper and strong positioning returned to all parts of the jaw, and the evidence of neck injuries receded rapidly. Within a week I was up and enjoying greater mobility.

This was the fulfillment of this statement in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy: "The physical healing of Christian Science results now, as in Jesus' time, from the operation of divine Principle, before which sin and disease lose their reality in human consciousness and disappear as naturally and as necessarily as darkness gives place to light and sin to reformation. Now, as then, these mighty works are not supernatural, but supremely natural" (p. xi).

Within seven weeks I was completely free of physical symptoms and returned to normal teenage activity. But I could not recall any event that occurred before the accident.

At that time my parents attended their Christian Science Students Association meeting, and the teacher asked my mother to share the healing experience with the group. I was visiting in the home of an aunt, and the family realized later that my memory returned during the time of the morning session in which my mother expressed her gratitude for the physical healing. The complete healing in Christian Science was recognized and happily acknowledged.

Since then I have led a healthy and athletic life. I went on to obtain two college degrees, and to serve five years in the United States Navy. After I passed the thorough physical examination to enter the Navy, the examining physician asked who had been my surgeon. When I answered that it was God, he replied, "It was done perfectly." After military service I spent thirty rewarding years teaching in the public schools.

How grateful I am that I had the blessing of the Christian Science Sunday School. Each day I am more grateful for this wonderful truth and for its being available for all mankind to understand and practice. I know it will heal all ills that humanity seems heir to as we turn to it humbly and sincerely.

Dorothy Jane King
Indianapolis, Indiana