My parents were brought up in a missionary school. Later, in their twenties, they became students of Christian Science, which they learned about through reading copies of the Christian Science Sentinel. They got these Sentinels from a Spanish-American War veteran who had retired to our city. Having accepted Christian Science as a way of life, both of my parents strove to put its teachings into practice. This resulted in my mother's becoming the first native-born Journal listed Christian Science practitioner in the city.
During my childhood, the elders of my parents performed rituals to appease the spirits who were supposed to look after the health and welfare of people. My brothers, sisters, and I are ever grateful that with the enlightenment gained from the study of Christian Science, my parents courageously cut their ties with the so-called unknown past and its control over the present. In doing so, they brought about our family's release from superstition and ignorance.
The daily reading of the weekly Bible Lesson outlined in the Christian Science Quarterly was carried out conscientiously by my parents. As I progress in my understanding of Christian Science, I realize that the reading of the lesson contributes to my own spiritual growth and to the success of the Cause of Christian Science. Studying the lesson also makes me conscious of God's guiding hand, His omnipotence and omnipresence. A Bible verse says, "Take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Ephesians). To me the reading of the lesson is part of putting on the invincible armor of God.
