My mother, who had been left with three young children at the passing on of my father, was instantaneously healed through Christian Science of the need for wearing glasses, although the doctors had forecast dire results if she did not continue to wear them. This healing came in direct answer to her prayer to be shown if Christian Science was the right religion for her to turn to. From that time, she became a devout student of it, and many healings in our family resulted, including those of croup, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, and other so-called children's diseases, constipation, headaches, poisoning, and many other ailments of which we did not know the names. Lack was overcome numerous times when it had seemed there was not enough food for our daily needs. Turning with complete reliance to God as we learned to know Him through our study of Science, we found that our needs were always supplied in ways that seemed many times no less than miraculous.
Early in my teens, I manifested a nervous condition which was accompanied by great irritability. Suddenly my whole right side became useless, and my speech was greatly impaired. I was brought home from school in this condition, being unable to walk. A Christian Science practitioner was called, and she asked that I be brought to her house. Going to her entailed travel by bus and some walking, but Mother promised that she would bring me. She was able to do so the next day.
While we were there, the practitioner told us of many wonderful healings and explained very clearly the perfection of man, made in God's likeness, and the mist of material thinking out of which a belief in mortal man arose (see the first and second chapters of Genesis). In a few moments I went to her piano and played, something I had not been able to do in months. Before the week was out, the healing was complete.
Shortly after that, my eldest brother was sent home from school with a note saying that his tonsils and adenoids were in such a condition that they would have to be removed at once. My mother turned to God in prayer; and the school nurse wrote after her next monthly visit that such progress had been made that surgery would no longer be necessary. The healing was very shortly complete. This same brother was later healed of a rupture. Another brother was healed of severe burns about the eyes and hands and of a crushed ankle. Absolutely nothing but prayer in Christian Science was used in any of these healings.
Quinsy and a streptococcic sore throat were quickly healed. The quinsy had recurred each year until it was healed in Science; after this there was no recurrence. Sprains and a broken bone in my ankle were overcome in a very short time. In the latter instance, when a resentful thought on my part was uncovered and healed, the sound of a bone snapping into place was heard, and the complete healing quickly followed.
When in college, I turned to divine Mind for help with my studies, knowing that man expresses Mind's intelligence. This resulted in very good grades and in my being awarded a scholarship. Although this scholarship was not large enough to cover my expenses, employment that fitted in with my line of study came to me entirely unsolicited and met all my needs beautifully. This demonstration was the result of a complete yielding to God's guidance as to what was the right thing to do. Right companionship was found when I took a firm stand for the standards of conduct to which we subscribe as Christian Scientists. It was my great privilege to be one of the four members of The Mother Church who helped to organize the Christian Science organization at a large state university. Working with this group was rewarding beyond words.
Later, employment was obtained at a time of so-called severe depression and resulted in many years of progressive activity. Discordant relationships have been healed. Business problems have been solved in ways far better than could have been humanly planned when I became really willing to abide by God's will only. And the blessings have lasted through the years. I see now how wrong "my way" would have been in many cases.
Several years ago, I was under great strain, and my whole world seemed topsyturvy. After much study and with the loving help of a practitioner and the patience and understanding of my husband, who, although not a Christian Scientist, stood with me during this trying time, I was completely healed. A very painful condition of my hands and arms was healed through my own understanding some months after I had had class instruction.
What words can express my deep appreciation of and love for our Leader for all she has done for mankind in bringing to the world the revelation of Truth in Christian Science! She has said in Science and Health (p. 3): "Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech." All these years I have eagerly accepted the written testimonies of others without ever submitting mine. I only hope it may bring some good to others as I have so many times been blessed by reading of their experiences.— Lorain, Ohio.
