I would like to express gratitude for the many healings received through my study and application of Christian Science. I had a testimony published in the Journal in August 1945 and have had many healings since then.
In 1948 I was having a difficult time, which included many physical disorders as well as human relationships. I tried earnestly to work things out myself, then had help from different Christian Science practitioners over several years. I am grateful for their help and encouragement, but the problem persisted until I was no longer able to care for my home or myself. I finally sold my home, put my furniture in storage, and went to live with my son in an eastern city. I called a practitioner there to help me, and on the very first visit she uncovered the root of the problem. She recognized that I felt frustration and disappointment and asked me what I had always wanted to do. I told her I had always had an urge to paint but circumstances had prevented me from taking art lessons and now I felt that I was past the age to start. She replied, "God isn't telling you that! You should love yourself—your real spiritual selfhood. One way of doing that is to use the talents God gives us. That way we glorify God." She encouraged me to use my God-given talents.
At that time I wasn't able to be about but wanted to be obedient to the idea that was unfolding. Since I was unable to take art lessons at that time, I enrolled in a correspondence course in interior decorating, having always been interested in color harmony. I completed the course while still confined to bed.
The practitioner was patiently standing by, but at times I was almost overwhelmed with hopelessness. There seemed no end to the physical problem. My Christian Science Hymnal was my constant companion, and a passage from Miscellaneous Writings by Mrs. Eddy was a great help (p. 354): "A little more grace, a motive made pure,a few truths tenderly told, a heart softened, a character subdued, a life consecrated, would restore the right action of the mental mechanism, and make manifest the movement of body and soul in accord with God."
It was pointed out to me that I was not working out this problem for myself alone but for the whole world—proving that Christian Science does heal. I gradually began to improve, gaining confidence in God's power and willingness to care for each one of His children. Finally, after nearly two years, I was able to be up for a few hours at a time and began attending church again. One Communion Sunday, while in church, I felt something internally give way and for the first time in all those years I was able to stand erect without pain. The relief was so wonderful and my gratitude so overwhelming, I walked out of church with tears streaming down my face. Within a short time a growth came away and soon the healing was complete.
I started taking art lessons. Imagine my joy in having two successful exhibitions of my paintings, selling several each time, before I left my son's home to return to Vancouver and reestablish my own home, which I am still able to maintain. I shall always be grateful for the lessons learned in this experience and the higher understanding gained by standing steadfast with Truth. I have led a very active life ever since, having exhibitions of my paintings nearly every year. I am grateful for the fulfillment this has brought into my life and for the beauty and joy I have been able to give to others. Mrs. Eddy states (Mis., p. 154), "It is the purpose of divine Love to resurrect the understanding, and the kingdom of God, the reign of harmony already within us." This has proved true in my experience.
More recently, I had a healing of a stroke that affected my right side, and I was taken to my daughter's home and lovingly cared for. She called a practitioner to treat me, and the effect of his prayer was felt immediately. Once again my Hymnal became my constant companion. This happened about the end of November, and by Christmas Day I was able to use my hand to crochet and I joined in the festivities with the family. Friends who came for dinner were unaware of any problem. Within six weeks I was back in my own apartment and very soon was able to do my own cooking and shopping.
I thank God for Christian Science, which has been my only physician for nearly sixty years; for our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, who has followed in the way that Christ Jesus taught and lived and has shown us how we may follow in his footsteps. I am grateful for membership in The Mother Church, and for many years of active branch church membership. My thanks to God for all the happiness Christian Science has brought into my life.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
I am the daughter spoken of in the above testimony. When Mother called me in the morning, I immediately went to get her and found her in quite a distressed condition. I am so grateful that I was able to keep out fear and stand firmly with the truth of Life, God, unconfined by matter. I had just had class instruction a few months previously, so had a wellspring of spiritual truths on which to draw. The most disturbing aspect to Mother was her inability to use her right arm: the prospect of not being able to paint and do all the things she was used to doing seemed overwhelming. But I was never for a moment in doubt of the outcome because I just knew that since the ability to paint had been the result of demonstration, there was no way that it could be reversed, and I held firmly to that fact.
It was a holy experience to witness the step-by-step unfoldment that led to a complete and permanent healing.
I have had many proofs of God's care and direction and am grateful for having had Christian Science all my life.
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
