True fatherhood
The editorial in the December Journal, "Joseph of Nazareth—man of faith," was so touching and inspiring that I found myself moved to tears. It is a beautiful description of the qualities of true fatherhood.
How important and nurturing it would be for all of us to adopt the spirit of Joseph's example as we work with our own children, Sunday School pupils, and other members of our community! Our willingness to stand in the background, performing our works "in secret," and allowing their progress Spiritward to be our reward would surely bless the world.
An African game my children learned involves singing a song about "making wide the circle" and adding new members from the center to the outer dancing ring with each verse, until all are included in the ring: "You are my great, big friend, I'll take your hand, and dance in the ring with you."
Making wide the circle of respect, tenderness, and principled action is what I see as a natural extension of preserving and cherishing the Joseph example. Thank you for bringing this more clearly into focus.
Penn Valley, California
Discovering Christian Science
I once practiced medicine as a registered nurse in a hospital. I was always unnerved by the power and reverence given to disease. I inherently knew that man was more than just the set of symptoms and diagnoses that I read on my patients' charts.
Christian Science came as a revelation that man was more than that. Man was a spiritual being! What a profound discovery this was for me. As I began to study Christian Science, disease lost its importance in my life. I realized that in my desire to desire to care for others, I had literally spent years fascinated by the study of disease — its names, processes, and treatments.
Now, I am focused on learning about man's spiritual nature. Gone are all of my anatomy, chemistry, and physiology books. Today I spend a lot of time reading the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. I have often tried to articulate the unique Christian Science position on disease to my friends and colleagues. That is why I was so pleased to read the "Ideas" column "Drawn to God" in last October's Journal. The writer takes a firm stand, and explains the Christian Science perspective eloquently and realistically. I have sent copies of the article to many friends.
Boston, Massachusetts
International outreach
I serve as cabin with an international airline. During a recent flight, one of our stewardesses, who is a South African, was telling me of her fears for her country, and how everyone is intimidated by the crime wave there. How delighted I was to find the conversation with the two South African mothers plus other articles on overcoming fear in the October Journal, which I had on board. I asked my new friend if she would like the Journal, and she was thrilled!
Judy Macpherson, Ascot, England
P.S My friend has just written to say that her boyfriend picked up the Journal and couldn't stop reading it. She has decided to subscribe to it!
The Journal invites readers to engage in a lively exchange with one another regarding the ideas presented in its pages. Please send your comments and questions. Letters should include the writer's full name, address, and telephone number, and be addressed to:
Letters to the Editor, C-42
The Christian Science Publishing Society
Journal, Sentinel, and Herald Editorial Department
One Norway Street
Boston, MA 02115-3122 USA
Our e-mail address is: journal@csps.com
