Before I became interested in Christian Science, I had' prayed to what seemed to be a faraway God, but my prayers were never answered. I was sad; discouraged, and full of self-pity.
One day, while in a friend's home, I noticed a copy of "Science and' Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. I opened the book, and this was the first thing I read(p. 1): "The prayer that reforms the sinner and heals the sick is an absolute faith that all things are possible to God,—a spiritual understanding of Him, an unselfed love." I read on and on, believing every word I read. Oh, it was so sweet to find this pearl of great price! I was indeed being anointed with the oil of gladness.
The whole world looked beautiful. Every tree, flower, mountain, and valley looked lovely and grand. People who had seemed disagreeable, uninteresting, or sick appeared so no longer. Truly I was experiencing a new heaven and a new earth. Although not seeking physical healing, I was immediately healed of several physical difficulties. Medicines were thrown out, and all faith in materia medica was cast out with them.
One of my early healings was that of ptomaine poisoning. I was unable to move for several hours, but I knew that no matter how real the illness seemed to be, it was not of God and must pass away. Gratitude for this newly found truth filled my heart, and by morning I was free, singing in my heart a line from one of our hymns (Hymnal, No. 136), "I love Thy way of freedom, Lord."
I have experienced so many healings through the years that I will not attempt to relate them all. At one time I was confined to my bed for several months with a nervous breakdown. This trouble became more real to me each day until the discerning thought of the practitioner awakened me. One day she telephoned and asked me to get up and walk to her house, which was several blocks away. I told her I did not think she knew how weak and ill I was. She said she knew how strong and well I was. This answer dispelled the mesmeric thoughts I had been entertaining.
I reasoned that since there is only one Mind, one intelligence, there is no other mind to think, act, or react. Therefore I really expressed all the strength and well-being there is, ever was, or ever will be. I walked the several blocks with joy and lightness of heart, thanking God for this great awakening, and that was the end of the trouble.
Several years ago when housing and money were scarce, it was our urgent need as well as our great desire to buy a home of our own. I knew that it was compatible with God's plan for us that we should have a right dwelling place and sufficient supply to meet our need. Also I knew that God's plan did not include indecision or confusion. The real estate agent showed us four houses. When we came to the fourth one, I knew that it was the right one for us.
The transaction was quickly made, and there was adequate supply for the purchase of the house. In making this demonstration of God's care, I found much help in this truth from Science and Health (p. 506): "Spirit, God, gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels, and unfolds these thoughts, even as He opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear."
At another time I was asked to cook and serve a big Thanksgiving dinner. This appeared impossible for me to do, because I was suffering from severe fatigue, but I knew God would help me every step of the way. I placed my copy of Science and Health on the kitchen table and referred to it every few minutes as one might refer to a cookbook. Every wrong thought was quickly replaced with a right thought. By holding steadfastly to the good and true, I was able to carry on successfully to the satisfaction of all concerned, and the fatigue was dispelled.
Lack has been overcome by my seeking first the kingdom of God. The realization that there is only one Mind has been my guide in seeking employment. Knowing that the qualities of love, intelligence, uprightness, faithfulness, and sincerity are always in demand and are at hand for me to emulate, I have found satisfactory positions.
I am increasingly grateful to God, as well as to Christ Jesus, the Way-shower, and to Mrs. Eddy. I am grateful for class instruction, for the joy of teaching in the Sunday School, and for the whole Christian Science movement.— Y psilanti, Michigan.
