My family became interested in Christian Science when my two-year-old sister was healed of a fractured skull. I had the privilege of attending a Christian Science Sunday School until the age of twenty, and of joining The Mother Church and a branch church at an early age. However, I took for granted much of the good that was mine—companionship, health, employment, and supply. It wasn't until later that I began to appreciate God's goodness by living the precepts of Christian Science, and really studying the weekly Bible Lesson in the Christian Science Quarterly.
I am grateful to report that the daily study of Christian Science has kept me free from various contagious diseases, such as colds, viruses, etc. At one time, however, I found myself suddenly incapacitated by an undiagnosed illness. It was difficult for me to move freely, to eat, sleep, or even talk because of pain and weakness. I was tempted to just give in to the problem, but I knew it was right to claim my dominion and go about my business, rejoicing in the knowledge that man's real being is founded on perfection. So this is what I endeavored to do. Sometimes I would sing hymns to silence the mental clamor of pain and fear. Our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, tells us in Science and Health (p. 151): "Fear never stopped being and its action." I reasoned then that neither could disease or malfunction stop the eternal and inevitable expression of God's harmonious action. This healing did not come quickly but gradually, and through many lessons learned of my true relationship to God. The conviction that God, good, is supreme began to fill my consciousness, as well as an increasing trust in His all-power. Pure gratitude for His goodness replaced the fears and doubts. The healing was complete.
While I was horseback riding one day during my term of service as Second Reader in a branch church, my horse stepped into a hole and threw me. The pain was intense, and I was unable to lift one arm. I called a Christian Science practitioner for help, and I was instructed not to condemn myself or my horse. Rather I should condemn to extinction mortal mind and its suggestions that there is life or substance in matter, and that man could be the victim of an accident. I studied in the Bible, Genesis, Chapter 49, verses 17 and 18, and I also found the following passage from Science and Health helpful (p. 151): "All that really exists is the divine Mind and its idea, and in this Mind the entire being is found harmonious and eternal. The straight and narrow way is to see and acknowledge this fact, yield to this power, and follow the leadings of truth."
