Wearying of old theological beliefs and searching for a more satisfactory religion, my parents became students of Christian Science in my early childhood. Later my mother became a practitioner and with my father held the first Christian Science services in our community.
The prophylactic power of Christian Science has been very evident in my experience and in that of my family. I am increasingly grateful to God for the foundation my parents helped me to lay in my youth. It included a reverence and love for our dear Leader, Mrs. Eddy, and for the Church which she founded, and it minimized the beliefs of medical science and false theology. I enjoyed the protection from harm and the freedom from illness thus afforded, but my blessings were taken for granted at that time.
In later years social pleasures and a professional career as a singer filled my thought, and I did not seek to further my understanding of Christian Science until forced by circumstances to do so. Neither was my obligation to the Church which had blessed me so much realized. Finally a consecrated practitioner, whom I had asked for help and told of my former blessings, asked me what I had done for Christian Science. Shortly after this timely question I applied for branch church membership, was accepted, and became increasingly active in church work.
I had already become a member of The Mother Church, and within a few years I had the great privilege of class instruction. This proved to be a turning point in my experience, for I had come to realize the truth of Mrs. Eddy's words (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 118), "The warfare with one's self is grand." The deepest gratitude is felt for the one who aroused me to my obligation and need.
At the passing of loved ones I have been sustained and comforted. After one such experience the angel thought came to me that we are never without God's help. And so it was proved throughout the days that followed. Grief and bitterness were healed. My children enjoyed the privilege of Sunday School and great protection and well-being. The few illnesses they had were overcome either through our own work or with the aid of a practitioner. One of them was healed overnight of double pneumonia.
Left alone with two children to rear, I found that the constant guidance of Christian Science enabled me to find my place in business. Changes unfolded which proved to be steps of progress, placing me where I could be of service to my fellow men. During testing times, when my prayer has become one of "Not my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22:42), and I have learned to love more, I have witnessed victory and a blessing to all concerned.
During World War II, while I was employed in an aircraft factory, again the prophylactic art of Christian Science was evidenced. The noise and confusion of the factory provided a glorious opportunity for growth in putting into practice what I had learned about God and man. Only one day was missed in several years spent both on day and on night shifts. In a more recent business experience a sprained ankle was healed with only one day's absence.
All of this I owe entirely to Christian Science, and my appreciation includes the help of a dear practitioner, who has given unfailingly of her support whenever needed. It is a continuing joy to see errors and suggestions of fear or lack cast out through the study of the Bible, our Leader's writings, and an increasing understanding of and confidence in God.
Several years ago a son and I covered some ten thousand miles on a trip by motor car. We visited many Christian Science churches en route and for the first time saw our beloved Mother Church and the various places associated with our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, so dear to the hearts of her followers. This increased our appreciation of the workers at headquarters, who are so consecrated to our great Cause. The Lesson-Sermon Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly was a daily companion, and the trip was very harmonious.
I cannot close without expressing gratitude for class instruction, for the annual association meetings, and for all the activities of The Mother Church. Special gratitude is felt for The Christian Science Monitor, which is helping to enlighten the thinking of all mankind. This newspaper has been in our home since its first issue. That I may ever be faithful to the teachings of our Way-shower, Christ Jesus, and of our Leader, thus sharing God's precious gift with mankind, is my prayer.— Los Angeles, California.
