Because of Christian Science my life has been made over from one of hopelessness and despair to one of joy and fulfillment. In gratitude for the good I have received, I wish to add my testimony to the many that have given me renewed courage and strength over a period of more than thirty years.
In 1930 my home was broken up, and I sold a thriving business and moved to a large western city, believing I could run away from my unhappiness. I moved thirty times that year, sometimes just from one hotel to another, always looking for happiness. Since I took all my bitterness, self-pity, hate, and criticism along, there was no release from the mental darkness that engulfed me. My world seemed unbearable; I was unable to work steadily, and I drank to excess. Many times I considered taking my life.
In my extremity I began to pray in the only way that I knew: "Dear God, show me the way, and I will follow." I lived with this prayer for weeks. One evening the thought came to me clearly, "Why don't you go to a Christian Science church?" My first reaction was: "Why a Christian Science church? I know nothing about Christian Science." But the thought persisted until I telephoned a Church of Christ, Scientist, a few blocks from my apartment. I asked if there was a church service that evening and if I would be allowed to attend. I was told that since it was Wednesday there would be the regular testimony meeting, and I was assured I would be welcome.
