Although I attended the Christian Science Sunday School and dearly loved it, I felt I hadn't learned just how to use what was being presented to me. I cherished the knowledge that God is to be honored, and that He cares for each of us. But, for several reasons, after I was married I no longer attended church, and I stopped studying Science.
When our first two children were small, it was necessary for me to periodically have my back adjusted. These visits became more frequent, until I was going to the doctor for this purpose almost every month.
One day I felt very uncomfortable with a different complaint, so I decided to go to the doctor and have a complete physical examination. Even though I had turned to a material means of treatment for my back, I guess I still felt that my Sunday School training would be a protection to me, and that the diagnosis wouldn't reveal anything significant. Well, much to my amazement and dismay the doctor said I had a heart disorder, high blood pressure, a sinus condition, and arthritis. I was dejected and beside myself with fear. I felt helpless in the face of the medical diagnosis and decided not to return to the physician. Instead, I went to see a Christian Science practitioner—a previous Sunday School teacher.
I found that I needed to understand the spiritual truth that underlies God's whole creation—there is no imperfection. "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good" (Gen. 1:31) was a Bible verse that helped me very much. The practitioner reminded me that God's perfect creation could never be changed, and that as a part of that creation, I am in reality perfect right now—not working toward it. The Bible assures us, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God" (I John 3:2). With each and every step, this new understanding of now sustained me. Slowly life began to come into perspective as the realization of God's presence and power became more real to me. The back disorder was healed, along with the sinus condition, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
However, fear of the heart condition lingered, and several years later, while we were at our place in the country, the symptoms of this problem were suddenly evident. The children and my husband were outdoors, beyond hearing distance, and we had no neighbors and no telephone. At first I panicked, but then I realized that in reality no one could be closer than my Father, and I needed no one else to help me but Him. With this assurance the fear was vanquished. I had with me a copy of the Christian Science Sentinel, which I read, and it wasn't long before I was rejoicing with a feeling of complete freedom. I have never been troubled by this condition again. That was over twenty years ago, and I have since tramped through the woods, water-skied, and participated in all sorts of vigorous activities.
When my elder daughter was in the hospital having her second baby, I cared for her little one. One night I woke and found the child feverish and breathing very hard. Not being able to contact my daughter, I called a practitioner, who allayed my fears and gave me some truths to ponder. I tried to be obedient to Christ Jesus' admonition to Jairus when he heard that his daughter was dead (Luke 8:50): "Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole." I endeavored to believe and understand the child's true nature, which is spiritual and perfect— never influenced by matter's symptoms or false testimony. By morning, the tiny tot was breathing normally. She was perfectly well and happy.
Recently my husband and I were traveling in the Midwest, and whenever we were close to a Christian Science church he would take me to the service. Since he is not a Christian Scientist, he would find something else to do. One Sunday in a small town he decided to get a news paper and read it on a nearby bench while waiting for me. As I sat in church, my heart was filled with love toward my husband and to God for giving me such a good companion. As I prayed, two statements by Mrs. Eddy came to me: "Clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred cannot reach you" (Science and Health, p. 571) and "Good thoughts are an impervious armor; clad therewith you are completely shielded from the attacks of error of every sort. And not only yourselves are safe, but all whom your thoughts rest upon are thereby benefited" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 210).
After church I went out, and my husband said, "I had the strangest thing happen to me." He told me that after getting the paper he had been sitting on the bench when five young men with chains and switchblades surrounded him. They demanded his newspaper, but he refused to give it to them and told them there were more for sale in the rack. They crowded in on him with more threats, but he firmly stated that there was no reason for him to give the paper up, and they walked away.
What joy filled my heart, to see the protecting power of God and the nearness of the thoughts that had made me aware of this power during church.
I gratefully acknowledge God's allness and the many avenues of blessing that have been opened to me through Christian Science over the years. And to think this wonderful tool is available to all mankind!
Vista, California
