Christian Science freed me from deformity after medical specialists had told my parents that only through death would their three-year-old find release from intense suffering. Intestinal difficulties, rheumatoid arthritis, plus a form of paralysis had misshaped my body until I was unable to straighten my arms or legs.
Then a neighbor told my mother about Christian Science, which heals through the power of prayer. The next day we went to see a Christian Science practitioner. He explained to her the importance of being obedient to the first commandment (Ex. 20:3), "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." No longer were we to bow down to fear and pain. Instead we were to serve God. He then read from the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy (p. 467): "The first demand of this Science is, 'Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' This me is Spirit. Therefore the command means this: Thou shalt have no intelligence, no life, no substance, no truth, no love, but that which is spiritual." He added, "Now you can take the child home." And my mother did. I, who had never walked, crawled, and even stood, literally ran to my father! The knowledge that I was and always had been the perfect child of God had healed me.
After giving me a thorough physical examination and confirming what was so evident, our family doctor rejoiced with us in the healing. However, he did explain that I had suffered irreparable internal damage, which would make it impossible for me ever to have children. This verdict was also overturned, however; sixteen years later I gave birth to our first child at home, with this same doctor and a Christian Science nurse in attendance. The births of our other four children also took place at home and were as harmonious and rapid. Each time I was up the same day and, with the help of a Christian Science nurse, actively participated in the family routine. The following Bible verse was a real "foundation stone" at these times (Isa. 66:7): "Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child."
