The teachings of Christian Science have enabled me to place a greater value on understanding immortal Life and its purpose; on divine Love and its redemptive mission. Science has also answered the many questions that puzzled me as a teenager, especially these two: "What is life?" and "Where do I fit into this continuing process of circumstances and situations?" The answers did not all come at once, but as soon as I resolved to seek them by turning to God through Christian Science, it was as if the same angel that spoke to Daniel centuries ago was present speaking to me, saying (Dan. 10: 12), "Fear not, . . . for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words."
For many years I attended a Christian Science Sunday School, and I knew within me that only through obedience to the rules of Science and an understanding of God would life's mysteries be explained. Through the ensuing years, the study of Science has gradually opened chinks to let in spiritual light for me. It has revealed the truth of being, giving me answers to my questions in ways I could understand and cherish within my heart. Science really established what I believed but was not absolutely sure of.
After I'd married and moved away from home, I began to attend a local branch Church of Christ, Scientist. I felt I was really making progress. The genuine love and encouragement of the church members enveloped me. This was sufficient to stir me to make my own discovery of this Science. I was welcomed into membership of the branch church, and I also joined The Mother Church and took class instruction in Christian Science—all within three years.
An active church member for about fifteen years now, I have loved every minute of it. Serving in different offices and on various committees has demanded the fuller expression and development of God-derived qualities. Many lessons have been learned through Love's chastening, but what a joyous adventure. Demanding, yes! Fulfilling, yes! Progressive, yes! Happy, yes! Learning to recognize the Christ within everyone we meet—in church and in the community—is one of the most rewarding lessons one can have. I feel there is nothing else in life that can replace the purifying process that takes place through genuine church involvement. The Christian Science movement can only fulfill its mission of healing and salvation as we yield to Love's directing and go forward, obedient to the provisions in the Manual of The Mother Church by our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy.
I owe a great debt of gratitude to my mother, whose living example of adherence to God, Principle, has blessed our family through many difficult years. Our children are now fourth-generation Christian Scientists, and they too have had innumerable proofs of God's ever-present love. There have been more evidences of the preventive rather than the curative aspect of Science, and I feel the preventive aspect should never be underestimated.
About two years ago, a large hole appeared on my ankle. The ankle became quite painful, and I could hardly stand on that leg. After praying for myself and receiving the help of a dear friend, who is a student of Science, the condition still seemed extreme. So I asked for assistance from a Christian Science practitioner. Through his dedicated work, much fear was uncovered regarding business conditions and insufficient funds. I realized I'd been "putting up" with these situations and not really dealing with them properly through prayer. The great lesson to be learned was that man is God's beloved child, and that everything that is God's is man's through reflection. I also learned that in whatever guise a problem presents itself, the cause is not physical but mental. I had to be fearless in letting God govern every step of my life, which at that time included the closing down of our business.
All through this period I continued to work full time, which meant I was on my feet eight hours each day. Also, I carried out my duties as First Reader in my branch church without having time off. And during this wonderful growing period, I was able to help others through prayer.
After about a year the hole in my ankle filled in completely and the pain ceased. For the love, inspiration, and patience of the practitioner, who helped me achieve this healing, I am indeed grateful to God.
To anyone struggling to work out a problem, whether it appears to be physical or mental, I can say, "Don't give in; the reward is already present to claim, and it is wonderful. All that is really taking place is that God, Love, is saying, "Go up higher, claim your inheritance as the child of God. Wonderful revelations are at hand for you.'" My gratitude is indeed heartfelt for our Leader, for sharing with us divine Science. This is my humble "thank-you" to God for hearing my call and answering, "Thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words."
Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England
