In the Christian Science Hymnal is a hymn entitled "Heavenward" (No. 136). From the inspiration of this hymn, from the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, and from the work of consecrated Christian Science practitioners I have received beautiful protection throughout four continuous years of flying high-performance aircraft while serving in the United States Air Force. By protection I mean everything from an accident-free record, without even so much as a blown tire, to immunity from heavy flak barrages over North Korea. My gratitude is unbounded, not only for the protection, but for my individual growth in Christian Science which has resulted.
While still in the early phase of flying training, my inherent abilities as a child of God were challenged. I was having more than the usual difficulties in learning how to fly, and the fear of failure and of "washing out" of the program gradually took possession of my thoughts. I enlisted the help of a practitioner in my home city and kept in close contact with him. Also I studied the textbooks, the Bible and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, every evening in the quiet of the empty classroom building.
In the meantime the threat of elimination became more imminent. I prayed for inspiration and guidance, and my prayers were soon answered. The following passage from Science and Health, referred to me by the practitioner, forced me to take my stand. It still remains vividly with me. Mrs. Eddy says, referring to Jesus' raising of Lazarus from the dead (pp. 493, 494), "Who dares to doubt this consummate test of the power and willingness of divine Mind to hold man forever intact in his perfect state, and to govern man's entire action?"
On the eve of my next to last elimination ride, a procedural matter in most cases, these thoughts came to me: Co-ordination, action, intelligence, ability, aptitude, and skill are spiritual qualities. If it is not right for me to be a pilot, it will be shown to me; but as a Christian Scientist, I have a duty to demonstrate the facts of being. I cannot fail when there is no failure; and most important at this point, I cannot under any circumstances excuse apparent failure by saying that it is not right for me to learn to fly, that is, to demonstrate my ability to reflect spiritual qualities.
This line of reasoning eliminated fear, and the next day I flew as one freed. On the next fair-weather day I soloed. I never again experienced any flying difficulty, even when handling the Air Force's best operational jet fighters.
While overseas I kept very close to the twenty-third Psalm. I had several experiences which proved that God was with me. In addition to the protection I received, most of my missions were successful. One thought that was always a source of help to me is that Love fills all space. Whether one is in an airplane or on the ground, his whole being is in consciousness.
One day while ferrying a brand-new jet plane from the factory to an Air Force base, through my own carelessness I extinguished the flame on which the jet propulsion of the plane depended. I was high above a wilderness area and out of reach of any emergency landing strip. I made several unsuccessful air start attempts. As the plane glided closer to the earth, I knew that I was in reality encompassed in the arms of divine Love.
As I prepared to bail out I said, "Dear God, I am not afraid to leave this ship; but why, through the flick of a wrong switch, must there be such waste—a whole airplane destroyed?" I attempted another air start, and it was successful. I proceeded without further incident. Here was divine Mind asserting the perpetual harmony of the universe where frustration and near panic had appeared to be.
I feel so humble before the omnipotence and goodness of God, so deeply grateful for the revelation of Christian Science, and so thankful for the complete provision which Mrs. Eddy has made for our spiritual growth.— Ithaca, New York.
