During a recent Wednesday testimony meeting at a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, I felt that the citations from the Bible and from our textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, emphasized the overcoming of fear through receptivity and an understanding of Love. Gratefully I recalled how often the teachings of Christian Science had helped eliminate my fear when situations appeared to loom large and frightening. Then a scene from when I was about ten flashed into thought.
I had never been much of a swimmer. As a result I was always uncomfortable when near water that would be over my head. At the time of this incident I and perhaps twenty other youngsters were splashing about in a large water hole about five miles from my home. Suddenly I discovered that I had dog-paddled into the deepest area of the pond. Fear immediately overwhelmed me—and so did the water. Down I went. Up I struggled. Down I sank for the second time. Emerging again, I tried to call out but water filled my mouth. Going down for the third time, engulfed in fear, I all at once remembered something I had been told in Sunday School: God is your Life, and He loves you! With that, all fear left and I started to float to the surface. Almost immediately I felt my brother's arms supporting me, then lifting and pulling me safely to the shore. What a wonderful early lesson in divine Love's ever-presence!
A few years later I was asked by the head of the dance studio where I was taking lessons to serve as master of ceremonies for the dance group's festival that year. I happily agreed. Happily, that is, until I discovered that the revue was to be performed in a large amusement park amphitheater. Besides the ample seating capacity, the open setup would permit any persons visiting the park to watch as well. This I feared might attract trouble in the form of catcalls and other interruptions.
