Heather Beck
I love looking in the Bible and Mrs. Eddy’s writings for examples of Christian Science nursing. When I notice something, I find myself quietly exclaiming, “That is what a Christian Science nurse does!”
Recently I found this in Miscellaneous Writings (249:23): “My heavenly Father will never leave me comfortless, in the amplitude of His love; coming nearer in my need, more tenderly to save and bless.”
Doesn’t this describe the ministry of Christian Science nursing? One definition of ministry is, “the spiritual work or service of any Christian.” It is the spiritual work—praying and seeing God’s man right where other suggestions seem to be—that reflects His love, meets all human needs and saves mankind.
A very long time ago, I was in the office of Marion Jordan, who was the Director of the Home Aide Service for Christian Scientists in Boston. We were standing in front of a map of Boston and she was showing me where my first home case would be. She put her hand gently on my shoulder and said, “Christian Science is practical, dear.” It is hard to describe fully what happened in my thought and to my life in that moment. But I knew this in an instant: Knowing the Truth is practical. Realizing the Truth in whatever situations I was about to face was what I was being asked to do, and doing this would meet the human need.
Years later, when God led me to Christian Science nursing, this idea became further crystallized in my consciousness. Our ministry—our spiritual work—is to keep thought actively in relation to the Divine, as Mrs. Eddy writes in Miscellany (160:5-8):
“To live so as to keep human consciousness in constant relation with the divine, the spiritual, and the eternal, is to individualize infinite power; and this is Christian Science.”
This is what we are endeavoring to do every day at Fern Lodge. And we are seeing some inspiring healings. Last week a patient was upset, feeling there really wasn’t any point in living. What could he do that would be worthwhile? What purpose did he have? As I was listening, I began to acknowledge the good in him. His life did and does have purpose. It’s to love! Suddenly he began to talk about experiences that were positive examples of loving. Another nurse joined me and we continued to encourage him. After a little while, he became peaceful and happy.
A month or so ago a patient returned home after several weeks at Fern Lodge. His practitioner called me and said that the patient was back to participating in daily activities, and she expressed gratitude for the support he received at Fern Lodge.
Proofs of God’s presence and love are all around us. We see them every day. As we move forward at Fern Lodge, I am keeping in mind what the little ones learn as one of their first lessons in Sunday School: God Good, Guards, Guides and Governs. He is pointing the way and He will guide Fern Lodge in ways that will increasingly bless our dear patients, our wonderful staff, and our community.
Heather Beck
Director of Christian Science Nursing[:]
One Comment on “From our new Director of Christian Science Nursing”
Heather, thank you for stepping forward to take the reigns as Director of Nursing. As evidenced in this article your wonderful childlike receptivity, are such an indispensable asset to your effectiveness as a nurse. I have loved working with you on the floor, talking with you when you were assistant, and being in your classes at Arden Wood. You have always known and felt God’s presence and experienced the results.
Much love,
Louise