After seventeen years my retail business was failing, and I was becoming increasingly discouraged. It was tempting to just close up. In the course of a conversation, however, my sister (a Christian Scientist) lovingly asked me to listen to and consider the words of Mary Baker Eddy's poem " 'Feed My Sheep,'" which has been set to music as a hymn in the Christian Science Hymnal (No. 304). My sister pointed out three requirements that accompany all the comforting promises in this hymn: "Shepherd, show me how to go," "I will listen for Thy voice," and "I will follow and rejoice / All the rugged way." This had been a favorite hymn of mine from my boyhood on, and I began to pray to put these ideas into practice. I knew God had only good for me, and I applied myself to studying the weekly Bible Lesson (found in the Christian Science Quarterly) and reading the Christian Science Sentinel, which is always an inspiration for me.
Within a week, I had sold my business, and the buyer and I both continue to feel blessed by the outcome of our agreement.
I would like to take this opportunity to give special thanks for having been raised as a Christian Scientist. Years ago when I was an Army infantry sergeant, en route to combat in France, my mother wrote me a letter that sums up what Christian Science means to me. She said that if Christian Science were only a beautiful theory, it would be no good. But it is the truth, which Jesus said would make us free. She went on to write out her prayerful thoughts for me—that I was God's child, in His care, loved and protected by Him.
