Last April I sustained a broken ankle jumping over a fence on the M25 while driving our Christian Science Lecturer to Gatwick airport. If one is going to be in a situation on the side of the motorway there is nothing more comforting than having a Practitioner at your side – and here is what he wrote to me the day after the incident: “What an adventure we had! I hope that it has been as profound for you as it was for me. Being with you by the roadside, midst all that bustle and gridlock . . . but FEELING God’s presence with us, has been impressed on my memory forever. And being surrounded by Steve and Glen, and all the other ‘angels’ that showed up was a great example of humanity expressing the one divinity.
Now Steve and Glen were two motorcyclists that stopped to help when they saw me fall. One was an off duty paramedic and the other was an off duty ambulance driver. This certainly was Divine Love in action surrounding me with ‘angels’. I had never been a patient in hospital in my entire life and the Practitioner reassured me that God does not stop caring for us at the hospital doors.
The Practitioner also reminded me that the week’s Bible Lesson Sermon had the account of Paul healing Eutychus after his fall. He said, “And the section begins with that wonderful verse from Jude – ‘now unto him who is able to keep you from falling‘ . . . (Jude 1:24).
So in God’s kingdom that incident on the M25 was a non event, other than it showed to us, yet again, God’s loving provision for all of us, no matter where we are.”
I was told by the medical profession that it was a serious compound fracture and that such an injury to my ankle bone, because of my age, could have dire consequences with the risk of infection. But the Practitioner’s firm resolve in his communications to me were very reassuring. He said, “I told you I would be working on the doctor’s announced risks of infection and alignment – prayer opportunities, not risks”.
Whilst lying in the A&E department, I was told that I would be seen at about 6.00pm to have the bones set, but at 4.00pm I was told that I may have to wait until the next day as several emergencies had come in and no available theatres were left. I asked if there were any guarantees that I would be seen in the morning and the doctor said that every effort would be made, but – no guarantees.
At that moment the idea of driving around in a busy shopping precinct looking for a space came to thought. The law of God is applicable in all situations – ‘Love Makes Radiant Room’ (Hymn 298: verse 2). I confirmed prayerfully that not one idea of God can be deprived or left out of His kingdom and that God meets every need, in all circumstances, no matter what. I ended my prayer with: ‘not my will, but thine be done.’ (Luke 22:42). And simply let go of any concern.
At 5.30pm a nurse came in to tell me that they were taking me down to theatre to have the bone set. I was extremely grateful and thanked God for his loving care.
During this time I thought about the passage that Mrs Eddy writes in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: ‘Until the advancing age admits the efficacy and supremacy of Mind, it is better for Christian Scientists to leave surgery and the adjustments of broken bones and dislocations to the fingers of a surgeon, while the mental healer confines himself chiefly to mental reconstruction and to the prevention of inflammation.’ (Science and Health page 401 27-32). This was a great comfort to me as I confirmed that God controlled the surgeon’s fingers to complete the necessary procedure perfectly.
After the bone was set, more dire predictions were voiced if I did not take due care. I was more than pleased when I was released from hospital the next morning as I had no complications. Each suggested or medical prediction was refuted by Truth and every need was met, whether from family, friends or church members. After this incident, the Practitioner continued to share with me practical Truths to meet this challenge. And at every appointment when the foot was checked or the plaster cast replaced, all I ever heard the doctors or nurses say was: “Oh, that does look good!” and “No problem here.” I was even told that I was a quick healer. I knew better of course, but the biggest lesson of all was that we can rely on our Father/Mother God to give us the ideas we need to meet whatever challenges come into our daily lives.
There have been so many instances of One Mind’s guidance and direction and we can all confidently affirm that ‘Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need.” (Science and Health page 494. 10:11
Linda
Maidstone church member