Like every other student of Christian Science, I find it difficult to express the love and gratitude which I feel for our revered Leader, Mrs. Eddy, for discovering and founding Christian Science. As time goes on and Truth unfolds in my consciousness, the magnitude of her work is realized in greater degree, and joy is felt for opportunities to serve in the Cause. At the time of my admission to a branch church, my desire was to remain quietly in the background and reap the benefit of the work already established by others. This attitude was seen to be a mistake, and church work was accepted, though with fear and trembling. That God is with His children when they are engaged in His work, and that "obedience to Truth gives man power and strength" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 183), were the supporting thoughts. Being allowed to serve in the avenues of church work has been an inestimable blessing to me, and progress has been noted as timidity and self-consciousness have been overcome.
The next step required by obedience was membership with The Mother Church. The necessity for this step was not clearly seen at first, but the step was taken with the wish to be obedient and was followed by the privilege of serving in the Sunday school. A desire to be better equipped for service later led to class instruction with a student of Mrs. Eddy, which is one more reason for deepest gratitude.
Over seventeen years ago a time came in my experience when it was realized that help was needed which was beyond the power of human aid. Christian Science had been heard of and presented, but was not accepted until this great need arose. While I did not seek help for physical ills, there was nevertheless great need of healing. A sense of being delicate from babyhood, so that no hard work was expected of me and later nothing that required my being on my feet, needed to be healed and was healed. A few visits to a practitioner who had been asked to help restore harmony revealed some of the fundamental truths which Christian Science teaches. As these right thoughts were allowed room in my consciousness, it was seen that a brace which had been worn for support was no longer needed, and it was never used again. Health and strength began to be manifested from that time.
