When I was ten years old, I wrote to my grandmother and asked her to send me a set of books—the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. My grandmother was the only Christian Scientist I knew, and she lived several hundred miles away; I saw her not more than once a year or so. The Christian Science Sentinel came to our home every week, but our family did not practice or discuss Christian Science; instead we attended a Protestant church and Sunday School. Nevertheless, eventually I came to accept Christian Science as my way of life. As Isaiah writes (65:24), "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." God did meet my need. I can see no other explanation as to why I asked for and received the books I am still using today.
Through high school and college I kept a small notebook containing quotations from the Bible and Science and Health, and from copies of the Sentinel. I was beginning to place reliance on God for a happy life—particularly for harmonious relationships, freedom from sin, and guidance in making important decisions. Later I married and three years after, we moved into a house next door to a Christian Scientist— one who really let her light shine. Finding me receptive, this woman shared Sentinel articles, copies of The Christian Science Monitor, and helpful thoughts about Science. She was loving, gentle, happy, unselfed. After some time she invited me to a Wednesday testimony meeting at a local branch Church of Christ, Scientist. Here I heard people relate the good they had experienced through relying on God. I knew that I belonged in this church. Eventually I joined this branch church and have since gained immeasurable good.
One of the first physical healings I can recall came soon after I joined the branch church. The condition was never diagnosed, but other members of my family, after consultation with a physician, concluded it was serious. My lower legs and feet were greatly swollen and very painful most of the time. Walking was impossible, and even bedcovers on my legs were uncomfortable. I had many sleepless nights during which, when I asked, my husband would read to me from a Christian Science pamphlet or periodical. This was a great kindness to me because at the time he was quite unfamiliar with Science.
