"they expected me to be in great pain"

Re-reading A Century of Christian Science Healing this year was a treat.  The healings I love most are the ones where the author speaks not only of a physical healing but of how their life is also changed, bringing a renewed purpose, seeing life in a different light.  

One in particular is shared by Wayne Burt on page 213. A shell hit his right arm during WW ll, shattering the bone. Doctors said he would never have use of the arm again and would have to retire from active service. The author described how he had drifted from Christian Science at the time. He always knew that Christian Science had given him the correct explanation of God and that one day he would get back to it. Upon his return to the United States, he began reading the textbook, studying, and praying on his own. He speaks about reading “Christian Science brings to the body the sunlight of Truth, which invigorates and purifies.” He says, “l just sort of thrilled that this was indeed what Christian Science was doing for me.” And he was healed. The doctors were surprised to see the bone starting to deposit itself where there was none till it was completely filled in. He returned to active duty. Over the six months of study he stopped drinking and smoking and spoke about the change in his life. He had felt like he was drifting and that all his experiences were superficial. He just was not happy. With his study he realized that he had the opportunity every minute of his life to see himself and his fellow beings in their true light. This improved his well being and the well being of those he interacted with and to be of greater service in the army. 

There is a temptation when reading testimonies to focus on the fact of the healings rather than the spiritual advancement that made the healing possible. I read the book with a new appreciation that these are ordinary people with lives radically changed from changing their perspective. Like the transformation Association brings, and how life had “broadened and brightened” for the early students in the Massachusetts Metaphysical College. It is seeing a “fresh universe” that may seem remarkable or surprising to those expecting matter to be a certain way.

This brings to mind a wonderful healing I had this year. I was on a ski holiday with family in the Rocky Mountains far from home. On the first run of the day I twisted my arm and fell on it. I was in excruciating pain. I lay on the snow for some time. All I could know was that God was there. With prayerful support from one family member who stayed behind (I told everyone to go ahead and enjoy the day), I managed to ski down the hill (singing everlasting arms of love the whole way) to a lift that took us the rest of the way down. A ski patrol gave me a square of material for a sling, and it seemed right to go to the clinic to learn how to practically manage this. At the clinic I was offered pain killers but declined because I knew I could rely on prayer to overcome pain. This was surprising to the doctors and nurses, as they expected me to be in great pain. I was told my right arm was broken in several places and that I should return home and have it seen by a surgeon.

I went back to my hotel room and prayed and studied with the help of a practitioner. I had to exchange the perception that an accident had happened to knowing that God’s universe has no accidents. This seemed hard at first, but I realized it did not matter what matter was saying. The truth is that I live and move in a spiritual universe. My thought was uplifted and calm.  

Once home I made an appointment with a surgeon. This seemed necessary to calm my business partner’s fears for me. The surgeon said that no surgery was necessary (as I knew in my heart would be the case), and that I should come back in 3 weeks for a checkup. I was told it would be six to eight weeks for it to be healed and longer to get full mobility but maybe never 100%.

I kept seeing what the fresh universe of spirit was telling me, mentally replacing any claim that I had fallen. Progress was sure. Within a week I was using the arm to sign my name and using the computer even though in a sling. Within two weeks, I took off the sling, and by three weeks I was doing almost everything with the right arm that was needed. I returned to the doctor for the appointment and she said several times that the progress was “remarkable.” I am thrilled with this – it reminded me of some of the testimonies I had been reading. And I felt my outlook broadened and brightened. At the six-week mark, I was able to go on a long-planned holiday with family that included two ziplining excursions.

The day we returned home, the first of the pandemic restrictions was introduced, and we were quarantined. I was still feeling that elevated view of the spiritual universe which has helped me to respond with calm assurance to the challenges that this has brought. Like the soldier in the healing from Century, each day I am trying to seeing myself and others in their true light – knowing that strength, health, freedom, happiness, and sustenance are spiritual. I am listening to know what I can do for others and being profoundly grateful for the love and compassion I see expressed around me.