Healing—it's something everyone wants, and it is possible for everyone. Long-term illness affects literally millions of people. Chronic pain alone costs United States business and industry about $90 billion annually in sick time, reduced productivity, and direct medical and other benefit costs. And that's just in the US. Many people around the world who are dealing with long-term disability or illness learn to cope with their problems, and sometimes they don't think healing is even possible.
Persistence and willingness to change, however, are key factors in healing. As the American Chronic Pain Association puts it, "While our pain is certainly not all in our heads, attitudes and expectations do make a difference." In this month's issue, writers in the Frontlines section of the Journal reinforce this point—and go beyond it.
Instead of just coping with long-term illness, they point out, spiritual development will heal illness and other kinds of trouble. They also address the patient who says, "I've been praying for a long time, and I'm not healed. What more do I need to do?" These writers supply specific answers, based on Mary Baker Eddy's rousing words in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, "Rise in the strength of Spirit to resist all that is unlike good." Science and Health, p 393.
