My parents took up the study of Christian Science about forty-five years ago and I can never sufficiently express my appreciation for having had the privilege of being reared in a home where the daily study of the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly had its regular place in the pattern of our family living. Because there were few Christian Scientists in our community, we had the opportunity only occasionally of attending Sunday School, but our home was always a meeting place for those students who were passing through, or temporarily residing in, our town. Although in later years my experience has been greatly enriched by participation in branch church activities, I should like to pay tribute to all steadfast Christian Scientists who, remote from practitioners or church organization, through their faithful adherence to Principle' have often in the face of adverse public opinion made their religion known by their works. They can appreciate the wisdom of our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, in giving us the Manual of The Mother Church, which provides for the Lesson-Sermon, the periodicals, and membership in The Mother Church.
One of the earliest healings in our family was a case of mental surgery. When about three years old, I came in from play one day with my arm hanging limp at my side. I was put to bed with my arm supported on a pillow, and my mother read from the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, until her mind was free from anxiety. The next morning my arm was completely healed, and I remember going in a canoe that day to join the rest of the family on a camping trip.
A long-standing belief of heredity was broken when my mother was freed from bondage to sick headaches. An instantaneous healing of what appeared to be food poisoning was, in my girlhood, a convincing proof that we can never be outside of God's care and protection, and that as we apprehend this fact all painful evidence to the contrary must give way. Although almost unconscious, I was aware that my mother was placing a long-distance call to a practitioner. Clearly, as though being spoken, the words came to me, "Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear" (Isa. 65:24). By the time the practitioner was on the wire, my mother could assure her that God had already sent His Word and healed me.
