Soon after I became a student of Christian Science, I began to have a desire to give a testimony at a Wednesday evening meeting in a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, in order to express my gratitude for all the blessings that had come to me. This seemed almost impossible, because I had had since early childhood an intense fear of public speaking.
I began studying more carefully each day the Manual of The Mother Church by Mrs. Eddy, and I tried to be obedient to each Rule to the best of my understanding. I listened carefully to the readings from the desk and to each testimony I heard. I also began to take a testimony with me each time and to give it silently. This continued for many weeks; but I was never able to gain enough courage to stand and speak.
Finally I decided that no matter what happened, I was not going to be bound by fear any longer. I prepared a short expression of gratitude and went to the evening service.
