For a long time I have been eagerly watching the Sentinel for testimonies of healing from some of my former school friends, but recently it occurred to me that there may be at least one of those friends who has the same wish, and I am certainly glad to tell what Christian Science has done for me.
In the spring of 1907 I could hardly walk, because of a weak back, from which I suffered continually. I was taking electrical treatments and medicine, but was getting much worse and correspondingly discouraged; so when a neighbor who is a Christian Scientist kindly asked me what was the trouble, I told her everything. As she talked to me about Christian Science, I felt that she was standing on a rock and I on the sand, so I willingly read some of the literature which she gave me upon my request for something to read. I would read a while from her copy of Science and Health, then as I read the Bible the understanding I had gained would make clear its meaning. After reading the 91st Psalm, as she advised me to do, I realized that Truth is the only physician. Arising from my humble prayer, I obediently destroyed all material remedies, and advised the doctor that I would hereafter rely upon Christian Science alone for my healing.
The first real joy I ever knew was experienced one evening while my friend was explaining to me that God is Love, giving as an example the protecting love that is manifested by a mother bird with her little ones all crowding to get nearest her and under her wings, which were spread out over them. When I started home, I ran like a child down to the gate, for I felt like one. I had about three weeks' treatment in Christian Science for my back, and it is exceptionally strong now, for it has been fully tested since we came back to the farm. I climb hills and carry heavy loads every day with no thought of weakness or pain. I was also instantly healed of severe headache, as I realized the ever-presence of divine Love. Other ailments which disappeared were chronic throat trouble, difficulty in taking a deep breath, a continual pain in my side, and a lame hip which made me stand crooked. One day I held steadfastly to the thought that since God is the only creator the lame hip must be nothing, and I tried as a little child to understand. It was only about ten minutes until the pain was gone. That was over a year ago, but it has not returned and I stand straight now.
