Christian Science has brought me inspiration, strength, and comfort for more than forty years. It was presented to me by a young man who had been a pupil in a Christian Science Sunday School and who correctly surmised it would answer my questions concerning God and Christ Jesus—questions I had not had answered satisfactorily in the Protestant church of which I was then a member.
My friend gave me a copy of Miscellaneous Writings by Mrs. Eddy because he thought one section titled "Bible Lessons" would appeal to me. It did. This led me to study the textbook of Christian Science, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, soon afterward. The irrefutable logic with which this book explains events recorded in the Bible satisfied me then and has continued to inspire me since.
During the Second World War, I lived in England. A spiritual understanding of the ninety-first Psalm brought me a conscious sense of safety during air raids when I was engaged in civil defense duties, as well as protection on a number of occasions, as, for example, when a bomb fell very near the house where I was staying but did not explode.
God has been my only physician since I began the serious study of Christian Science. My very first healing was of menstrual cramps, when I saw clearly that since God governs all the functions of His creation, they cannot be inharmonious, nor need we anticipate or suffer discomfort, since God does not curse but rather blesses creation, as the first chapter of Genesis describes.
There were quick healings in the early years—of influenza, bronchial catarrh diagnosed by my father's physician, sprained ankles, headaches, and later, healings of the effects of falls.
Turning to Christian Science affected every facet of my life. It led me to a new and totally satisfying career, that of Christian Science nursing. In this capacity I have had the privilege of witnessing countless healings, some of them very outstanding indeed. I have also been greatly inspired by the courage and fidelity of many fine Scientists and I am thankful for the love and dedication of those in the public practice of Christian Science, for those who serve as nurses and for the co-workers who support them. Above all, I am grateful for the supreme selflessness and spirituality of Christ Jesus, our Way-shower, and for the faithfulness of his follower, Mrs. Eddy.
The healings I witnessed as a Christian Science nurse freed me from fear when I suffered with a severe internal disorder over ten years ago. Pain was a recurring challenge. Since I was too weak to care for myself, I got in touch with a Christian Science nursing facility, where I was lovingly admitted at once. I stayed there for a little under two weeks. A few days after I returned home, there was a repetition of the aggressive symptoms of the problem. Kind friends took turns staying with me, which was a great blessing. Also, different practitioners prayed for me at times during this period.
One practitioner helped me get a clearer grasp of the allness of God, and I feel it was this realization that paved the way for the ultimate healing. Another expressed such Christly love that I felt wonderfully sustained during the darkest hours. An episode that marked a significant point in the healing occurred one evening not long after a night that had been particularly distressing to the dear friend who had sat up with me through it.
This friend and I were sitting in the living room when I felt an attack of pain coming on. I excused myself and went into my bedroom, determined not to be mesmerized by the condition, for my friend's sake even more than for my own. Pacing the floor, I affirmed that since God is Love and He is All, He fills all space. So I could only experience Love's omnipresence. With great gratitude for this fact, I repeated the words of Mrs. Eddy's loved poem "The Mother's Evening Prayer," which begins (Poems, p. 4), "O gentle presence, peace and joy and power." Instantly the pain ceased; I was able to rejoin my friend very shortly, and nothing was said. That was the turning point in the experience; soon after, full strength was manifested and I returned to active duty. That was the end of the problem.
This testimony is long overdue! I hope it will encourage others as I myself have been encouraged by testimonies in our periodicals these many years. Much happiness has resulted from active church membership. So much love has come into my life because of Christian Science.
Trenton, New Jersey
