My parents were adherents of Christian Science before my birth. Consequently, I was taught in the Christian Science Sunday School until the age of twenty. It seemed so normal for me to see my problems solved quickly, and all went so easily and naturally, that I forgot to express my gratitude for this. Later I had to prove my understanding of this Science on my own, and it was at that time that I gave Christian Science its true value.
Many encouraging proofs remind me of Christ Jesus' words after his healing of the ten lepers (Luke 17:17): "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" Like the man who came back to give glory to God, I wish to share with you a healing that enriched me spiritually.
One afternoon, at the end of a conversation my husband and I were having in an office with several people, it was impossible for me to get up out of my chair. I felt all my strength leave me, but with my husband's help I was able to reach our car. During the ride home both of us declared truths of Christian Science. I recognized that for some time I had been entertaining almost hateful thoughts about people who force us to breathe their cigarette smoke. During the two hours of the previously mentioned conversation, two men had smoked continuously. Thus I had accepted the belief that something material could poison man. I had certainly forgotten to recognize all those around me in their true being as God's children, and also that thoughts of love and compassion protect, while hatred, criticism, and condemnation destroy.
