Christian Science is very dear to me because it has lifted me from the depths of fear, doubt, discouragement, and uncertainty. For many years I wavered between the desire to be a student of it and the fear that I would not be able to apply its teachings successfully in the event of illness or accident. Also, I had thoroughly enjoyed smoking for many years and had no intention of giving it up. But the time came when I grew extremely depressed, insecure, and irritated because much grief and discord were present in the lives of some of my loved ones, both in my family and in my husband's family. My immediate family was a very happy one. I had a secure home, a dear husband, and two children; but the problems facing others in my husband's family and in mine cast a constant shadow on us.
In the midst of this utter confusion, I began studying Christian Science in private with an honest desire to know and do the will of God. For several months none of my family knew of my study; but my mental attitude improved so much that all who came in contact with me realized that something good was happening. I let go of some of the problems that had always disturbed me, because I was gaining an understanding of God and of man in His likeness. I stopped smoking and found that I was completely free from the fear that I would ever be tempted to start again. I was healed of the bondage, and gratitude flooded my thinking. I felt secure and on the road to happiness and peace. Therefore when I told my family of my desire to attend a Christian Science branch church and to rely on the teachings of Science, they were agreeable, and the change was made harmoniously.
The first physical healing experienced by one of our children took place when our son returned home from summer camp completely covered with ivy poisoning. The evidence and discomfort to him were alarming. I spoke to the boy of God and of man's true being. We called a Christian Science practitioner for help. The irritation ceased at once as a result of her prayers, and the boy slept comfortably all through the night. The evidence on the skin cleared up rapidly.
