Words can never express my gratitude and joy that God led me to the study of our wonderful, practical religion. I can say in the words of one of our hymns (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 64), "My heart is singing: I have found the way."
All my life I had been searching for an answer to the many questions that puzzled me concerning life. Especially did I long to really know God. I was in and out of hospitals and having medical help constantly. Life appeared to hold little in store for me, and I became discouraged and despondent. After I had read completely four times Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy, I knew my search to find God was over. I realized that God is Spirit and that we, His children, created in His image and likeness, are really spiritual. This awakening has brought me untold blessings and peace of mind.
My first healing was that of a nervous breakdown. Much fear had to be overcome, but as I continued my study of the Bible and the textbook and applied their teachings, I gained ground daily. These lines from the textbook were of immeasurable help to me (p. 495): "When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea. Allow nothing but His likeness to abide in your thought. Let neither fear nor doubt overshadow your clear sense and calm trust, that the recognition of life harmonious—as Life eternally is—can destroy any painful sense of, or belief in, that which Life is not." And this statement from the Bible was also very helpful (II Tim. 1:7): "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." What joy was mine when I could lay my head on the pillow and sleep!
