Our church was sponsoring a public lecture on Christian Science. The chairperson of the lecture committee asked me to select citations from the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures to be read at a preparatory meeting, and I gladly did so, expecting that the chairperson would do the reading. When he said I was to read aloud and conduct the meeting, I told him I absolutely could not speak in public, relating a humiliating experience from high-school days. He assured me he had full faith in my ability, and promised to do prayerful supportive work for me.
I studied the Bible story of Moses, who felt he couldn't speak to the children of Israel. God said to him: "Who hath made man's mouth? ... I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say" (Ex. 4:11, 12). From Science and Health came Mrs. Eddy's wonderful statement "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need" (p. 494). I reasoned that the meeting was a good and unselfish activity, supported by divine Principle. As children of God, we can have only characteristics derived from Him, and all must dwell together in harmony.
As I looked at the congregation from the podium at the lecture preparatory meeting, I saw smiles and encouragement on every face. My fears vanished. The meeting went well. Soon after that I was elected First Reader and found I could serve the three years with gratitude and joy.
