The kinesiologist who treated me told me that I would need to have surgery if I wanted to continue playing, but I refused the operation. I felt disillusioned by the medical field because I was told that my recovery following the operation would take a long time. The possibility of playing again seemed distant. I had to give up soccer, and I continued to have trouble walking for some time.

Later, I became acquainted with Christian Science and began attending services at a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, and visiting different Christian Science Reading Rooms in the area. It was in a Reading Room that I first found the magazine The Herald of Christian Science and read about someone who had experienced a similar injury and been restored through prayer. I also began reading the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer of Christian Science. I would read for hours in the Reading Room, and I always felt better.

Some of the ideas I prayed with during this time remain engraved in my heart. One was from Science and Health and was also displayed on a wall in the church auditorium: “Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need” (p. 494). This was very meaningful to me. When I read it, I knew that God, divine Love, was hearing me. I understood that I wasn’t alone and that I would be able to overcome the physical challenge. This gave me an unbroken faith.

Another helpful idea was this one from the Bible: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear” (I John 4:18). This was very helpful because I was feeling fearful—of not being able to walk normally again, of the possibility of needing surgery to recover, and so on.  But Love destroyed those fears.

Within a short time, I was able to walk without difficulty and even run! And I returned to playing soccer. I was so happy and grateful, and I give a lot of credit to the Christian Science Reading Room. It was the place where I found inspiration and healing.

Christian Science gave me the spiritual understanding of God as Love, the one governing, infinite Mind of all, and this resulted not only in physical healing but in greater harmony in my relationships, both at home and at my job.