Find inspiration in the latest issue

When it was time for me to write this welcome letter for the August issue of the Journal, I thought I was in for a fairly straightforward assignment. Pick some themes that would impact readers, select some appropriate quotes, and try not to get too wordy—seemed reasonable. 

What I found was that when I took uninterrupted time to visit with this magazine, and let the ideas sink in, I had some inspiring moments of my own. 

In a small way, I felt like the person described in Mark Swinney’s lead article, “There just has to be more!” The reading became an opportunity to appreciate how the ideas in this magazine—ideas from the Bible, the Christian Science textbook, and Mrs. Eddy’s other writings—are working deep in human consciousness, and will get right to work for whoever picks up a copy or clicks on a page. I felt myself pausing, taking my time, rolling the words and concepts over in my thoughts. But mostly just feeling open to what God, divine Mind, was teaching. 

So what were some takeaways that I think you’ll enjoy, too? 

The visual imagery of the chess set and the darkness and light in the lead article felt so powerful. Glimpsing the reality of God’s goodness really does require that we step outside of our mental routine. I loved knowing that, “The kingdom of heaven is not something for later,” and that this promise from Christ Jesus’ teaching is not abstract. Jesus shows us how to see this bright reality and increasingly defeat evil through practicing mercy, moral courage, and deep love for others and for God.

In “Understanding Mary Baker Eddy in her ‘true light and life,’ ” I was reminded of how essential it is to recognize her proper place in history and also to acknowledge that Christian Science is the Comforter that Jesus promised. The author explains how knowing what Christian Science is, and who Mary Baker Eddy is, strengthened her healing practice. 

“Christian Science lectures: Breaking collective hypnotism” is a must-read. The description that a hypnotic state can be induced “slowly or in a startling instant” was arresting; the author points out how Christian Science lectures can counter a mental drift that shoves the things of Spirit aside. 

Enjoy this issue. Take some time to let the ideas marinate. There is undoubtedly something here for you.

Jenny Sinatra
Staff Editor