Now is the time, I feel, for me to express in some measure my gratitude for the many blessings and healings that have come to me through the study and application of Christian Science. Eleven years ago I received my first healing in Science. At that time I thought it efficacious and I had known others who had been healed, but I did not realize its spiritual significance until I witnessed an experience of my father which stands out as a beacon light in my life.
He had been suffering with ulcerated feet and swollen legs. The physicians were unable to help him, so he resorted to more severe and drastic methods of healing himself. His case continued to grow worse until an attack of dropsy made it necessary for him to be taken to the hospital for an operation. There he was told that he could not survive the operation; whereupon he asked, "Is there no hope?" I told him that Christian Science could heal him. The operation was postponed and a Christian Science practitioner took up the work. In two days he was able to be taken to a private home. After a few nights the practitioner and I were called to his bedside, as the end seemed to be near. However, a few minutes later he was quiet and asleep. The next morning there was color in his face and his body appeared normal. His recovery soon followed.
This healing appeared miraculous, but on page 138 of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, we find in these words that Jesus explained his cures on a spiritually scientific basis: "He showed that diseases were cast out neither by corporeality, by materia medica, nor by hygiene, but by the divine Spirit, casting out the errors of mortal mind." With this healing I was awakened to a greater desire to gain more of the true understanding of God and man; of man's relation to God, and how God's law can be applied in our daily experiences.
