"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Prov. 3:5, 6). While pondering these words shortly after I began the study of Christian Science I realized complete freedom from chronic headaches which had troubled me since childhood and had grown progressively worse with the years, often keeping me confined to my bed a day or two at a time. My joy and gratitude for this healing were unbounded, and I continued to read with eager interest from Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, which I had obtained from the public library. During the next few months there were several healings through Science in our family. A case of chicken pox was completely overcome for one member of the family within twenty-four hours, and another member was instantly healed of a severe toothache.
One demonstration of the power of Truth was far reaching in its effect on my future. I had been asked to assist in directing a pageant, but I hesitated to accept, because a sacroiliac difficulty and nervous exhaustion sometimes kept me in bed for several days at a time. When about to decline, I was aroused by the statement from the Bible (Isa. 40:31), "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." On my way to attend the rehearsal that afternoon weakness was overcome when these words were recalled (Science and Health, p. 215); "Whatever is governed by God, is never for an instant deprived of the light and might of intelligence and Life." Weariness and depression left me at once, and I continued on my way, grateful for the opportunity to prove God's sustaining power. As a direct result, I was later led to develop talents which had lain dormant for years and which eventually brought me into a wider field of activity.
The complete healing of the physical ailment came with the help of a practitioner. The last attack was the most severe one, but ten minutes after the practitioner had left my home after giving me a treatment, I arose and dressed. Then I prepared a meal for my family. To their great astonishment and delight I was perfectly well and happy beyond words. All other healings since that time requiring a practitioner's help have been accomplished by absent treatment.
