Fifteen years ago Christian Science was of tremendous help to me when we were expecting our first child. Late in my seventh month of pregnancy I became ill with periods of nausea and unconsciousness. The Christian Science practitioner we had been working with in preparation for the birth was called for help through prayer, and within a day the fainting spells ceased.
I was in pain, however, as a result of a fall that had occurred during one of the fainting spells. Though I always expected the healing to occur at any moment, I was impatient for the prayer in my behalf to relieve the pain. All that mattered was feeling better, so that I could get back to my nice, normal routine. I dutifully read the citations from the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings suggested by the practitioner, but what the words meant hardly interested me. I am deeply grateful that the power of prayer dissolved this selfish attitude and uncovered my real desire to know God better.
Night had been very difficult because sleep seemed impossible. One night, about a week after the fall, I humbly determined to try to understand and apply the truths I'd read to my situation. I began to read the chapter "Science of Being" in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy until I dozed. Wakened by discomfort, I continued to read until I dozed again, and this was repeated throughout the night.
