Taking a case…or two

Last week I got my first call to be a practitioner on a case. In all honesty, I didn’t handle it well.

A mom from church called, saying that she couldn’t reach any of the practitioners she normally calls. Thinking that she was looking for the number of a friend who is a practitioner, I said, “Hold on, I’ll get her number for you.” She stopped me, saying, “No, I want to talk with you. I want you to be the practitioner for Tyler” (her 12-year old son). I yelled into the phone, “Do you want to talk or do you want Tyler to be healed? You need my friend’s number!” I was serious, and felt not at all ready to get a call like this.

Without another word, she put Tyler on the phone, although he didn’t feel well enough to talk. Once I was on the phone with him, all that I’ve learned in these past difficult years came to me, and I spoke with authority. Like a floodgate opening, the Truth poured forth to this sweet boy.

Funny enough, like another C. S. mom I know (me), Tyler’s mother didn’t call back or keep up with “the practitioner.” I had to call her time after time (which made me both smile and realize the importance of keeping in touch in a child’s case!). Later one of the practitioners the parents had called earlier returned their call, so she took the case. When I was released from the case, Tyler told me, “You are my practitioner.” I felt warmth!

I also want to share an experience regarding yesterday’s tragic events at the Washington Navy Yard. At least 20 people I know work in that yard, including my very best friend. Minutes after the shooting began, I got a text from my friend, saying that she was safe for the moment, not realizing that I had no clue what she was talking about. I called her. She picked up—very serious and speaking softly. When I asked what was going on, she explained that a gunman in the building next door was shooting people. She was under her desk, terrified. Even though she didn’t directly ask for prayer, she wanted Love’s truth right then and there (she’s a devoted Christian woman).

We spoke about her safety. Just minutes before, my friend had started to go over to the building with the gunman, but her “thoughts” had stopped her. She didn’t know why she had stopped. I assured her that it was God speaking directly to her, that the still small voice of God was to her “as when a lion roareth.” She clearly was protected because of her obedience to the word of God. I guess God talks to non-scientists, too!

Throughout the hours, my friend and I texted back and forth. I kept assuring her that the same voice that had told her not to go would tell her when to go. We talked about “listening”—tuning in and being obedient to whatever God’s direction might be; she had her own angels to guard and guide her. It was a difficult outcome for many, but my friend returned home to her family by 3:00 that afternoon, giving thanks to God for her safety—as we all did!

I’m so grateful for being a practicing Christian Scientist.