In my early twenties I was healed in Christian Science of two so-called incurable diseases, including stomach trouble I had had from childhood. My parents spared no expense in securing the best medical treatment for me, but I steadily grew worse. We later learned I had lung trouble called consumption. It was then, when in the depths of despair, I walked into a Christian Science Reading Room and asked the librarian to direct me to the nearest Christian Science practitioner.
I shall never forget that first visit to the practitioner. Feeling so sure I was going to die but hoping Christian Science would help me, I asked, "If I take up the study of Christian Science, will I go to heaven when I die?" The answer given was my first hope and convinced me beyond the shadow of a doubt that Christian Science, as set forth in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, can meet and master every human woe. The practitioner replied, "My dear, we do not die to go to heaven; heaven is here and now." She quoted Mrs. Eddy (Science and Health, p. 242): "There is but one way to heaven, harmony, and Christ in divine Science shows us this way." The love that was expressed and that touched me that day brought about a great change in my thought. Within three months I was a new person, claiming my healing with joy and abounding confidence. I knew I had found the truth that heals. Within three months I was on my way home from the West, where I had gone for my health.
Upon my return home I read Science and Health, and it came to me definitely to go to a nearby city for employment. I left my home on Sunday afternoon and was employed on Tuesday. I remained with that company for twelve years.
During the first year I was living in a resident hotel for girls. The housemother doubted my complete healing and informed my parents of her fears. At that time my parents arrived from a distant city to inform me that I must be examined by physicians. I knew I was healed and I objected, but I also called upon a Christian Science practitioner—one who had formerly been a medical physician. He assured me I need have no fear; if the law required and it was the wish of my parents, I could be examined and nothing but good could be found. Two days were spent in tests, examination, X rays. The outcome—there was no disease found. Up to this time I was frail, very thin; but when my healing was accepted by my parents, I began to improve in appearance.
During the years I was in business I had many proofs of healing through prayer, seeking through reliance upon God in Science the solution to every situation, and I was successful in my chosen career. However, I never lost sight of the fact that my deepest desire was to heal and to devote my life to the Cause of Christian Science. At the beginning of the Second World War, I was faced with the decision of what I could do for my country. After praying I applied to the Christian Science Benevolent Association, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, for nurses training. I was accepted and remained there one year.
It was a year of spiritual growth. Some of the duties seemed menial compared with my former unusual and interesting career. I knew my motive was right. My duties necessitated much reformation of thought. I had no idea that pride, self-importance, and fear had to be rooted out of my consciousness. This was not easy, but when one of these characteristics appeared, I persistently declared the truth of God as the source of good only. I denied the reality of error and its power to influence me. This nurses training position became my greatest blessing. Further opportunities opened to serve the Cause in new capacities.
Service in a branch church has been so fruitful I can truly say it has changed my entire life. My appreciation of Mrs. Eddy grows as I come to understand better her devotion to God and to mankind in giving her writings, the Christian Science periodicals, and all other means by which truth is being spread throughout the world. I am grateful for a deeper understanding of the requirements of the Manual of The Mother Church by Mrs. Eddy, particularly this statement (Art. VIII, Sect. 15): "God requires our whole heart, and He supplies within the wide channels of The Mother Church dutiful and sufficient occupation for all its members." I am indeed grateful for the happiness and peace that have been mine serving this great and holy Cause. It is indeed the way that leads to fulfillment.
Rockville Centre, New York
