Christian Science came to me about thirteen years ago, when I felt as though I had reached the end of my rope. I was sick, had no home, no employment, and very little money, and was under the care of a physician, who had told me that because of a back difficulty I should not do work which required standing. The only work I was trained to do was done standing; so I was very fearful and discouraged. I prayed earnestly for help.
I had been brought up in an orthodox Protestant church and had actively followed its teachings for many years, but had sometime previously reached a point where I felt it was not giving me the complete Christian message. I pondered the healings recorded in the New Testament and wondered why healing was not included in our teachings. When I attended church, I would come away feeling as if I had been cheated.
I studied many religious beliefs and ologies; I read medical theories and books on psychiatry and psychology. I yearned to know the secret of attaining perfection and harmony for myself and others, but I did not find a satisfying answer. During these years I traveled a great deal and met several Christian Scientists, whose experiences impressed me. Their energetic, joyous outlook on life made me feel they must have the answer. I had bought a copy of Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, but had found it difficult to read. At this low point of discouragement a friend came to me, traveling halfway across the United States. She had become a Christian Science student since I had seen her, although I did not know it. I asked her to pray for me. She brought me pamphlets on this religion and started me reading them. I went to see a practitioner and visited a Christian Science Reading Room. In a few days I was well and able to go to work.
