In Sunday School I was told that there is no sensation in matter. And I read in Science and Health, "Is it not provable that Mind is not mortal and that matter has no sensation?" (p. 211). For years I had faith that some day I would truly understand what this meant. But in the meanwhile I continued to feel, OK, if there is no sensation, then why is my first thought when I'm hurt, 'Ouch, that hurts'? Why is it always necessary to correct my thinking? I had experienced many healings through Christian Science, but still wondered why. Eventually I was led to the passage in Science and Health where Mrs. Eddy urges us: "Stand porter at the door of thought. Admitting only such conclusions as you wish realized in bodily results, you will control yourself harmoniously" (p. 392). This was the answer I needed. I knew I had read it many, many times with eyes that had not seen!
I decided I must more diligently "stand porter at the door of thought." As I participated in all my regular activities of working and caring for a family, it became obvious that it was not enough simply to deny assaulting suggestions or conversation. I couldn't simply push the mute button, as on a television remote control. I needed to correct and spiritualize each wrong suggestion. If one of the kids called another a brat, I needed to know him as a perfect child of God. He didn't have a choice, because God made him that way.
My hand was like the
bush; it did not burn.
