"Trials teach mortals not to lean on a material staff,—a broken reed, which pierces the heart" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 66). My experience definitely proves the validity of this statement.
I was brought up by parents who upheld the morals of Christian Science, and I attended a Christian Science Sunday School. But I was a very rebellious child and often wanted to do things my parents specifically told me were not right or good for me.
In my early teens, most of my friends and acquaintances did many things that were opposed to Christian Science. My morals were severely challenged. I wanted to "fit in" and to be accepted, so I went along with almost everything. I began drinking and smoking and later found myself involved with drugs. I thought this was the way for me to find happiness and make good friends.
