I am so thankful to God and grateful to Mrs. Eddy for the many blessings which I have received through Christian Science. I also thank the workers at headquarters for the Lesson-Sermons, Journal, Sentinel, and Monitor, which are all taking good thoughts and healing to people all over the world. I came into Science twenty-three years ago through the healing of spinal trouble, after the doctors had said that I would never be any better. I was healed in four weeks' absent treatment. Since then we have had many, many proofs of God's power and presence, sometimes through the help of loving practitioners, and often through our own understanding. In our large family of seven children, husband, and myself, divine Love has never failed us when Christian Science has been rightfully applied. We have lived most of the time away from other Scientists and not had the privilege of church services during that time, but have the Lesson-Sermons in our home.
Our oldest boy was always seemingly easily influenced by the thoughts and opinions of his associates and companions. We moved here four years ago and knew of no Scientists near here at that time. Soon after we came my son told me one day that he did not believe in Christian Science. I just laughed and told him that was strange as he had never known anything else. I thought that when in need he would be ready for the truth; but in the early winter of 1918, when the influenza was raging here and he came down with it, he wanted a doctor and we told him certainly he could have one if that was what he wanted. So we called the best to be had, followed his instructions exactly, and did all that loving hearts and hands could do, but he passed on. My husband and four children and the son's wife had it at the same time. The doctor was coming every day to see the son and his wife, and a loving practitioner was helping me to know the truth for the others. And we did know it and prove it, too. I am certainly very grateful for this healing. God never seemed so near as He did during this great trial and I am learning more clearly each day that sorrow and separation are only beliefs of mortal mind, and can be overcome by a right understanding of God.
I have much to overcome yet, but am unspeakably thankful for the understanding I have, and am trying to show my gratitude by striving daily to let my actions attest my sincerity. As Mrs. Eddy says in Science and Health (p. 3): "Are we really grateful for the good already received? Then we shall avail ourselves of the blessings we have, and thus be fitted to receive more. Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech." I am grateful for the privilege of membership in The Mother Church. I wish to thank all the kind practitioners and other kind friends who have helped me along the way. Words cannot tell how grateful I am for all the good that has come to me and my family and to all mankind through Christian Science.— Woden, Iowa.
