This is my second published testimony, and it is long overdue. My first testimony told of my original encounter with Christian Science when a neighborhood friend invited me to attend a Christian Science Sunday School. Through the years since that time I have dearly loved this teaching, which has brought me peace, health, abundance, and an interesting life—much goodness.
Above all, Science has satisfied my yearning for something more substantial than mere human existence; it satisfies a hunger for a present, divine reality. Many people agree that there can be only one truth concerning God, man, and the universe, and Christian Science has given me that spiritual truth. There is an increasing influx of this light, and I look to God to govern every phase of my life.
Of course there have been rough spots along the way, but they have provided blessings in disguise. At one point I dropped all reading of other books and devoted my free time to study of the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings, Science and Health and Prose Works. This was a marvelous education, and my new spiritual knowledge and convictions were a wonderful support during the following challenges.
My husband and I were traveling on the West Coast when I became ill and so debilitated that I no longer had the strength to travel; I couldn't swallow even water. One night when sleep was impossible, I told our heavenly Father that I would rather spend the night in prayer and communion with Him than sleep. In my previous intense study I had pondered this statement in Science and Health: "Adhesion, cohesion, and attraction are properties of Mind." I had looked up adhesion, cohesion, and attraction in an unabridged dictionary and other places in Mrs. Eddy's writings. I reasoned that forces of divine Mind are the only forces that can exist, and they hold me intact in my true and perfect spiritual state. The next morning I was entirely free. I was full of energy and could enjoy food.
At another time, I suffered severe hemorrhaging. After a while the loss of blood affected my heart, and I felt I might pass on. Often I affirmed, "God is my Life." I knew beyond any doubt that my life was not simply dependent on physical conditions. Fortunately my husband was a Christian Scientist and thoroughly supported my choice for spiritual healing. Finally the hemorrhaging stopped, and over a period of time I gained strength until there was a full recovery. Shortly after that we moved into a new home we had been building on a steep hillside, and I could easily run up and down stairs and work in the flower beds on the slopes.
One night I woke with a pain at the back of my neck. When I tried to lie down again I could not do so because of the intense discomfort. I went into my study and sat praying for several hours. However, when I arose I could not lift my arms. I tried to walk and couldn't help crying out. If I sat absolutely still there was no pain, but any slight movement brought suffering. I pondered the definition of good in the Glossary of Science and Health, which reads: "God; Spirit; omnipotence; omniscience; omnipresence; ominiaction." At that point I thought of how Christ Jesus told Satan to get behind him. So I, too, addressed Satan, or error, and said that the devilish suggestions might as well be withdrawn as I was going to hold to God's all-presence and all power no matter how long it took. The following day I felt no change, but I absolutely refused to entertain any fear or discouragement. The next day I was well, and I had relatives for dinner as planned.
These healings took place more than twenty years ago. Since that time I have enjoyed excellent health, which I attribute to the practice of Christian Science. The serious study of this Science and the application of its spiritual truths have enabled me to help others.
When my husband passed on, I turned to this Bible verse in Isaiah: "Thy Maker is thine husband." With childlike trust I leaned on God for guidance and help in all the readjustments. The prayerful consideration of this Scriptural verse in Psalms aided in overcoming grief and loneliness: "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Also, there was great comfort in realizing the spiritual fact that my husband is God's own child and is forever included in divine Love's care. Our Maker has cared for me beautifully in ways no human planning could have contrived. I have found I can be content through feeling closer to God. My church affiliation and friends are gifts from God.
The periods during the day that one can claim for unhurried prayer and complete surrender to God's will are the most glorious. The peace and tranquillity that come from pouring out one's heart to God and acknowledging man's oneness with Him, words cannot describe. Glimpses of a new world and a new universe, spiritual and everlasting, come into view. From the bottom of my heart I'm thankful to God for our Master, Christ Jesus; for our Leader, Mrs. Eddy; and for all those who are carrying forward this movement.
Buena Vista, Colorado
