Although I was brought up in Christian Science and saw its healing efficacy proved repeatedly, I stubbornly clung to the smoking habit. When my desire for spiritual progress became urgent enough for me to seek church membership, I decided that in addition to daily studying the Lesson Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly I would also read several pages of the textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. Soon I joyously anticipated this daily period of refreshment as I consecutively read the textbook and other writings by Mrs. Eddy. Discipline and disciple come from the same root word, and I became aware that to the degree I was becoming disciplined, I was becoming a better disciple.
On page 3 of Pulpit and Press Mrs. Eddy says, "Know, then, that you possess sovereign power to think and act rightly, and that nothing can dispossess you of this heritage and trespass on Love." As a result of daily demonstrating this truth I suddenly realized I was completely free of the smoking habit. Then I availed myself of the joys and blessing of church membership. Class instruction in Christian Science followed in an orderly way, and has proved to be one of the most rewarding things in my life.
After training, I engaged in public singing from an early age. Through a desire to serve my church I was led to an outstanding voice coach, and for many years I have had the privilege of serving as soloist at our church services. I knew the preparation for this had come from God. It has been a source of comfort to know that just as God has cared for Mrs. Eddy's message, the revelation of divine Science, so He cares for the healing message of the solos, as I obediently follow her admonitions.
