I should like to express my gratitude for all the blessings I have received through the study of Christian Science.
While participating in athletics several years ago, I suffered a very serious injury to my right leg. All efforts to correct this condition by medical means failed, and I was informed that immediate surgery would be required if I was to have full use of the leg and walk correctly. At this time I knew nothing of Christian Science; so I consented to the operation because I had high hopes of participating in college athletics and then pursuing a career as a professional athlete after graduation.
The operation did not correct the condition. In fact I had more difficulty with the leg and had a great deal of pain. I became very much depressed and spent a lot of time indulging in self-pity. During this time I had a very serious internal difficulty and was informed by a physician that I was fortunate to be among the living. This condition held me in bondage for five years.
I was unable to digest normal foods without pain. I never knew what it meant to have a day without suffering, and I was unable to sleep more than a few hours at night. My weight dropped, and I was a shadow of my former self. The only way I could get temporary relief was by using medicine and drugs given to me by a physician to ease the pain.
While lying in bed at night, I tried to understand why this was happening to me, and many times I did not care whether or not I would see the next sunrise. Having been reared in a religion that teaches that God sends suffering to punish man, I accepted my condition as God's will and tried to make the best of it.
I can never thank the individual enough who turned my attention to Christian Science. My first visit with a practitioner was a wonderful experience, and the following statement in the Bible made me feel that a heavy weight had fallen from me (John 8:31, 32): "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." It was truly like being born again.
Through the clear explanation by the practitioner, I was able to realize for the first time our true relationship to God and our purpose on earth; that God made man in His image and likeness, perfect, and that there is absolutely nothing to fear; that all the claims of sickness, sin, and death are a mortal dream, and that the only intelligence and power in the universe is God, good.
I purchased a copy of our textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science. After starting to read this book, I could not put it down, and I spent all my spare time reading it. At this point I threw out all my medicine, and I was determined to place my full trust in God. At the same time I was having help from a devoted practitioner.
It was not long before I was eating all foods without distress and beginning to get a good sleep each night. When I finished the textbook I found that I was completely healed of the internal difficulty, and I began to put on weight. My outward appearance and mental attitude were much improved.
My attendance at the services of a branch church and the daily study of the Lesson-Sermon, set forth in the Christian Science Quarterly, gave me a spiritual uplift. No matter where I have attended Christian Science services, I have felt the presence of Love.
During the past eleven years I have had many other proofs and demonstrations of the power of Truth by placing wholehearted faith in it. I was healed of the leg condition mentioned earlier and participated in many vigorous athletic activities, even football. I received an instantaneous healing of a shoulder injury and torn muscles in my arm. I was healed of food poisoning, a violent temper, high blood pressure, and a desire for the use of tobacco and alcohol. While traveling as a member of the Armed Forces, I experienced divine protection by knowing that God's control is supreme.
Problems of employment and lack were solved, and graduate study was successfully accomplished against seemingly impossible odds. Recently at the passing of a loved one I was grateful for being beautifully sustained by the following statement on page 494 of Science and Health: "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need."
Words cannot begin to express my gratitude to God for Christ Jesus, the Way-Shower, and for our revered Leader. I am also grateful for membership in The Mother Church, for the worldwide activities of the Christian Science movement, and for all the devoted practitioners and other workers for our Cause.— Los Angeles, California.
