My thought often turns with rejoicing to the instantaneous healing, through Christian Science, of a severe form of chilblains of the feet. Every material remedy had failed to give me relief from the extreme suffering, and I was told by physicians that the trouble would return every winter for ten years. When I decided to try Christian Science I called a friend who was a student of this great truth and told her of my decision. She came to my home immediately, bringing a copy of Science and Health. I commenced at the beginning of this book and continued reading all the morning and until the middle of the afternoon. It all seemed beautiful to me, and it was as if a great cloud had been lifted from my consciousness. I was so absorbed in the truth of the wonderful statements that the thought of the trouble entirely left my consciousness; and it was not until after I had put on my shoes, had driven my car to town, and was walking around in melting snow that I realized that I was free from all pain, all swelling, and all the other manifestations. For the first time I saw that whatever is manifested on the body is only a result of our thinking and at the instant that my thinking was changed from diseased to healthy thoughts the body responded. This healing took place several years ago, and there has never been a return of the trouble.
I wanted to know more about this Science, so I spent as much time studying as I could without neglecting my household duties. From then on I was a changed person; the whole world seemed different. Chronic stomach trouble left me, also sick headaches, throat trouble, bilious spells, and rheumatism, and, best of all, a despondent disposition that had made me unhappy all of my childhood days by causing me to feel as though I were disliked by everyone. I saw the truth of Mrs. Eddy's statements (Science and Health, p. 388): "The fact is, food does not affect the absolute Life of man, and this becomes self-evident, when we learn that God is our Life;" and on the next page, "Recollect that it is not the nerves, not matter, but mortal mind, which reports food as undigested." Realizing these statements as true I became master of my own thinking about food and ate anything that I wanted without any discomfort afterward. I also learned that God is Love, and that as one of His children I was made in His image and likeness; therefore I possessed this quality by reflection. As a result, I became more loving in my thought toward all mankind and in turn received love from all with whom I came in contact.
While I have had many trials, some yielding more slowly than others, they have been to me "proofs of God's care" (ibid., p. 66); and I am most grateful for them, as they have given me the opportunity to use what little understanding I have gained from the study of our beloved Leader's words.
