As a senior in high school, I was introduced to Christian Science by my best friend. We engaged in endless discussions because I had so many questions. My father, a seminary-trained Protestant minister, worked professionally in interdenominational and community affairs. He and my mother had always encouraged acquaintance with other religious beliefs, and they shared with me their keen appreciation of all races and faiths. Our home was a God-centered one, where the emphasis was that of living one's religion.
Slowly I began to apply the spiritual insights I learned from my Christian Scientist friend to my own needs, though initially I had been only curious. My friend gave me copies of the Christian Science Sentinel. I would underline sentences of particular interest and help. I borrowed a copy of Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, and I could understand the chapters "Prayer" and "Marriage."
As I began to study Christian Science, I discovered for the first time that God provided amply. This concept of "supply" was quite new to me. Theologically, my father had asserted that poverty was properly associated with being in the ministry! I decided to apply what I had been learning about God's unlimited provision of good in order to transfer from a denominational college to a nonsectarian, competitive college where I could also attend Christian Science organization meetings on campus. I trusted in the unfailing care of God expressed in this statement from Science and Health: "It is not well to imagine that Jesus demonstrated the divine power to heal only for a select number or for a limited period of time, since to all mankind and in every hour, divine Love supplies all good."
