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?"
