How grateful I am for Christian Science! Reared in a Christian home, taught to love the Bible and to turn to God in prayer, I found myself dissatisfied, as I matured, with what I had been taught of God. One day it dawned upon me that the prayers I offered were effective only to the extent that I put into practice my desire to be better. This revelation freed me from a former sense of a personal God who ruled by some unknown power. I learned not many months later that I had been lovingly prepared through such illuminations for the acceptance of Christian Science, which I had known of but had ridiculed for a number of years.
Desiring one Easter morning to bring joy and happiness to one who had stood alone for many years in her study of Christian Science, I was led to accompany her to a service, rather than attend as usual the orthodox services with other members of the family. I have always been grateful for making that choice, for it was the beginning of my sincere interest in the study of Christian Science. Thus I found the greatest treasure I have ever known through my desire to make another happy. As I have progressed in my study and application of this wonderful Science it has become increasingly clear that selfless giving indeed opens our thought to countless blessings.
I have been very grateful that shortly after becoming a student of Christian Science I was, through a deep sense of honesty, led to withdraw my membership from my former church, and to take my stand openly for Christian Science. Such action paved the way for my admittance to The Mother Church and to a branch church. I owe much to this membership for the growth I have made. Without church membership I should not have gained my present knowledge of this subject. The trials I have encountered by taking an open stand for Truth have strengthened me and brought much comfort and joyousness in enabling me to love my enemies understandingly.
