Letters & Conversations

'Speaking the people's language' The January Journal was delivered for humanity and the world. Thank God it is not an inhouse magazine written for its in-house club and members.

The 'new' Journal When the new format appeared, I needed to shift my expectations for the Journal from its being a supplementary study of Christian Science, to its present mission as a clear and practical account of the wonderful changes that take place in people's lives as a result of prayer. I used to pick and choose articles to read.

Timely issues I commend you for publishing the article ("A single mom starts the long journey home") in the November Journal , including the author's comments on abortion. With the abortion issue remaining acute in public consciousness for more than a quarter century, I hope you'll have the courage before too long to address the issue further.

Starting out The Starting Point of September's issue, "Getting a 'leg up'" is wonderful and I want to express gratitude for it. Thank you, Nona! Antônio Claret da Mota, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Narrative pieces Since there has been a change in the format of the Journal, I have found the personal essay very tedious.

Location of testimonies I really am not looking forward to your dispersal of testimonies throughout the Journal. [The testimony section is] where I turn when I need a quick dose of inspiration.

Albanian Herald Thank you for telling the touching "Story of the Albanian Herald" in the July Journal. I am so grateful to know about this gift to the Kosovo refugees, which must have taken much loving effort to create and deliver.

Blessing our enemies I was especially inspired by "A conversation," where Bishop Mvume Dandala talks about prison and prayer [June]. What honesty, courage, and "love your enemy" Christian faith! How blessed we are to learn of these events and know how God answers prayer.

Reports from abroad As a former reporter for The Christian Science Monitor, I was naturally drawn first to the articles by Monitor collegues in your May issue. I share their gratitude to God for the comfort and protection that Christian Science offers reporters in troubling and even dangerous circumstances.

Length of articles I am writing to express my concern about the quality of articles in the Journal. Lately, I have noticed that the articles have gotten shorter and shorter.

Searching for light The article "Individuality—its eternal presence" [February] has had a profound effect on me. In the short weeks following my husband's passing I felt myself slipping from a mild into a deep depression.