For five generations members of our family have witnessed and experienced many healings in Christian Science. My grandmother was healed completely when in the final stages of what was medically diagnosed as cancer of the stomach. Today my grandchildren are learning the same vital truths in the Christian Science Sunday School.
My own testimony must begin with gratitude for my parents, devoted and consecrated Christian Scientists, who taught me from an early age to turn to God in prayer, to the Bible, and to Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy for answers to every problem. The answer has always been found. All through school, during a short time in the business world, through marriage and the rearing of two children, and now in another active occupation, the teachings, elucidated by class instruction, have been my spiritual security.
At a time when I was busy with our small family, worry and false responsibility resulted in a very challenging nervous condition. I was supported often by the prayers of a Christian Science practitioner during the two years it took for me to be completely free of this condition. No one but my husband and the practitioner knew that I was ill. I shall always be grateful for the unselfish love of my husband, who many times at night would read to me for long periods from the Bible, Mrs. Eddy's writings, and the Christian Science periodicals, even though his daily work demanded much of him at that time. My church work and my home activities were carried on with few interruptions.
Much of this time I prayed each day just for that moment only, unable to see beyond. I was endeavoring to be obedient to Mrs. Eddy's counsel (Science and Health, p. 261), "Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts." I sought to leave the future in God's hands.
Eventually I was able to see clearly that we have only now—that all contemplation of the future and all rumination over the past take place only in the now, and right at this moment we have control of our thoughts. The freedom won through overcoming the symptoms of this condition and coming into the light of spiritual dominion cannot be measured. If I had never had another healing in Christian Science, this would be enough to make me know that adherence to its truths heals.
Our daughter, although she had been free of medically termed "children's diseases," had a short siege of measles followed by pneumonia. One night when I was alone with her, she seemed so ill that fear all but took hold of me. We had no telephone and I had to go next door to call the practitioner who was supporting us. I was almost afraid to leave the little girl, but knowing she was God's child and could not be outside of His presence, I went and telephoned, only to find that the practitioner was at that moment praying for her. All fear and apprehension were dispelled, and from then on I felt confident and expectant of healing. The complete healing took place very soon thereafter.
At another time this same child was wonderfully protected when an automobile knocked her off her bicycle. She later told me that someone came to her and repeated "the scientific statement of being" from Science and Health (p. 468). I never learned who did it, but it proved to me that a human mother does not have to be with her child to ensure the presence of God's motherhood and protection. Her daily prayers for her family and home, acknowledging God's protection, are an effective help.
Our son has had many fine healings. One proof of God's care for which I am most grateful is the guidance he had in finding employment when he returned from service in the armed forces. He was at first very restless and uncertain. I prayed earnestly to see that his God-established purpose, place, and orbit in representing divine Mind had never wavered nor been interrupted. Through events that would be far too involved to go into here and which would seem astonishingly coincidental, he was brought to a position that is a combination of fruitful and remunerative employment. It also provides an outlet for his artistic ability, which is being recognized. I can never thank our Father enough for this proof of His continual guidance and care.
Among the healings there have been several mountaintop experiences of instantaneous cure. These occurred when clearness of spiritual vision recognized Truth's supremacy, and the temptation to believe in a power apart from God was put down immediately. They have been of burns, pain, imminent accident. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned in both the quick and the slower healings, for each one has brought me to a fuller understanding of the Christ, Truth.
More gratitude for and service in the Cause of Christian Science are the only ways I know to even begin to repay the good I have received.
Pasadena, California
