I took up the study of Christian Science because of ill-health. I was an active member of an orthodox church and was seeking God, but at the same time I was placing my faith in materia medica. Finally I submitted to an operation in order to relieve my suffering, but I was like the woman spoken of in the Bible (Mark 5:26) who "had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse."
I questioned the minister of our church as to why I suffered so, and he answered, "God loves patient sufferers, and you are a chosen one." I firmly declared to him that I was not a patient sufferer, and I knew then that I must find the true God. How and where I did not know. I read our prayer book, but found no enlightenment or comfort. I read the Bible, but it was a closed book to me. I turned away from all material healing methods and felt that I would suffer it out, eventually finding my relief through death.
One day, after I had endured hours of suffering, my husband said, "Why not try Christian Science?" This had not occurred to me, but in a few moments I knew that it was what I wanted to do. We got in touch with a practitioner and work was begun. The physical healing did not take place quickly, because many erroneous beliefs had to be cast out of my thinking before the healing truth could penetrate. However, I was not discouraged, because as I read the Bible in connection with the textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, I found it illumined. I had indeed found the key to the Scriptures. I began to love to study the Bible; it was beautiful, and its promises were for me. I found the teachings of Christ Jesus comforting; I had found God, and my healing gradually came about.
