My first healing in Christian Science took place in 1925. A friend, herself a student of Science, had recommended that I take up its study to help a member of my family; but its healing power came to my own attention when I was healed of a severe attack of lumbago. My friend asked me to read the chapter on Prayer in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy before I went to sleep. I had no great hope that this would do anything for me, but was agreeably surprised when, next morning, I was well.
In 1927 I took class instruction, and in the years following I did much study with the aid of the Concordances to the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings. Many opportunities arose for putting into practice what I was learning. I believe this study and practice enabled me to be quite fearless when, in 1929, I was able to help one who was in danger of drowning while swimming. Some words from the Bible came to my thought and remained with me while I swam out and returned with the individual, a distance of about a mile. The words are (Deut. 33:27): "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."
Much more recently, while I was serving as First Reader in a branch church, a very bad cold developed one Saturday evening. As I tried to prepare for the Sunday service, I could scarcely see the words I was reading. The subject of the current Bible Lesson, provided in the Quarterly, was "Reality." I decided that no matter how difficult or painful it was for me, I would read the complete lesson aloud and the hymns I had selected.
