In the early postdepression years, I was living with a family whose income had been cut off by the economic collapse. Their combined efforts to overcome great hardships—their love, courage, and faith —so impressed me that I began attending a Church of Christ, Scientist, with them. I soon discovered that their religion was the source of their wonderful spirit, and my heart is still filled with gratitude for this experience, since it proved what can be accomplished by practicing the teachings of this wonderful religion.
At that time my own life was not easy. I was just out of college, and the future looked very uncertain. From early childhood I had regularly attended another Sunday School, and I believed in prayer, but often I felt that God was far off. Christian Science presented an entirely different concept of God. It revealed Him as all-loving and ever present. I was most receptive to the beautiful truths I heard at the church services, and I purchased the textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. At first it seemed difficult to understand, but by using simple truths such as "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need" (ibid., p. 494), I gradually increased in understanding. Also through my study of the weekly Lesson-Sermons, the Bible became a new book to me and the source of much inspiration in times of need. In the intervening years I have relied completely on God for every physical disorder, as well as for all other needs.
A few years ago I was suddenly stricken with acute bursitis in my shoulder and could not move my arm. The pain was so severe that I could neither sleep nor eat for nearly a week. A Christian Science practitioner gave me prayerful support during this difficult period. Before the week was up, the pain quickly subsided, and I regained complete use of my arm. There were no aftereffects, and the healing has been permanent.
