Shortly after marriage it seemed wise to my husband and me, as Christian Scientists, to take advantage early of the provision in the Manual of The Mother Church by Mrs. Eddy and have Christian Science class instruction. We wanted to learn how to apply an understanding of God to every aspect of life that lay ahead. My husband and I were able to do this together and "climb, with joy, the heights of Mind" (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 136).
The practicality of this step was evident, as a home was established, employment for both of us was worked out, and our family grew. There were physical healings, lost articles were restored, and we felt divine direction and protection. Our son had restricted use of his neck at birth, which allowed him to sleep only on one side of his head, causing his head to form without natural symmetry. In prayer for the child, I saw I needed to establish in thought—for it already existed—this child's unbroken relationship with God. I saw it as his private line to God, matured and developed, not a party line through me, his human mother, and then on to God. With this simple comparison in mind, a false sense of responsibility was lifted, and in a short time the child had full use of his neck, and the shape of his head became normal. I can't say exactly when this healing came, as it had ceased to be a concern. A birthmark on this same little boy disappeared as I learned not to accept or settle with an error even if it was small and out of sight.
My growth in understanding was accelerated even more a few years later when our four-month-old daughter had a skin condition. Prayer in Science was begun, but after several months almost all of her body was covered with the condition. During the next few months we stayed close to home. To venture out caused many comments and questions I felt unable to answer adequately to passersby.
