MORE COMMUNICATION ON DIVINE COMMUNICATION
I was interested in the question–and–answer column in the November Journal [p. 8] regarding the relation between the Bible verse "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you" (James 4:8) and Mrs. Eddy's statement in Science and Health "The intercommunication is always from God to His idea, man" [p. 284]. I feel that these two statements are very much related. For example, if we wish to communicate with someone, it is necessary to go near to them to hear what they have to say. It may be to call them on the phone, to approach them in a church lobby, or to cross a street to talk. So as we draw our thoughts to God, we will be able to hear the Christ message He is communicating to His idea, man.
NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, US
IDEAS, NOT DOLLARS
Thanks, Mr. Bergenheim, for sharing those supportive letters sent to The Christian Science Monitor [November, p. 16]. What came to me when I read the word undivided—from the Monitor's mission statement, "to spread undivided the Science that operates unspent [The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 353]—was the phrase "without seam or rent" [Science and Health, p. 242] and the quality of consistency underlying the Monitor. From the time of its inception, its operation has been based on ideas, not dollars; its quality of thought, not the figures appearing on its financial statements year after year. Our focus is on the spiritual ideas, and the integrity of its news, which never runs out. The marvel of it all is that many of those who have no idea about Christian Science have at least heard of The Christian Science Monitor.
PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA
HARMONY A FAMILY NORM
As an experienced educator who has taught in both public and private schools, I have heard many stories from parents about children and families living with situations and challenges they feel are unhealable, and they have just accepted that they will have to live with these problems forever. Keith Wommack's article in the November Journal, "The whole package" [p. 56], is one proof that healing and harmony can become the norm when a man marries a
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Will be considered submissions for publication unless you request otherwise, and are subject to editing for length and clarity. Opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those ofThe Christian Science Journal.
woman who has children from a previous marriage. And the testimony by Stephanie and Paul Wright in the October Journal, "Homework buddies" [p. 34], gives readers another proof of healing and harmony in a family with children from a previous marriage. This testimony illustrates healing and harmony in the home, especially considering that the experience was a healing of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which many parents accept as incurable and feel requires their children to constantly take medicine for temporary relief, sometimes with unpleasant side effects. These dear people relied on prayer and the ideas in Science and Health for healing. The experiences they shared are proofs of Mary Baker Eddy's statement in Science and Health, "Patience must 'have her perfect work'" [p. 454].
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, US
FINDING GRACE
A newfound perspective on grace emerged from Daryl Francis's article "Prayer—the ultimate adventure" in the October Journal [p. 32]. I had always thought of grace as reward of sorts—blessings received where worthiness is warranted. l'd also misinterpreted the Lord's Prayer verse "Give us this day our daily bread" [Matt. 6:11] as grace being something I need but don't have. Mr. Francis clarified this misconception when he referenced Genesis 6:8, "Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord," by pointing out that Noah didn't receive grace as "God's pet" or "chosen one," but he "found"—discovered or realized—grace as he bore witness to creation as God saw it, as God had already made it. Grace is a revelation of present abundance in every facet of our lives. What an eye-opener!
EMERY SOUTH DAKOTA, US
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Thank you, Daryl Francis, for your article in the October Journal, as you answered several questions for me. I fell backwards from a table recently, in what seemed like slow motion, clearing my step-stool, and landing on the floor in the only protected area between another table and a desk. I then looked up, wondering why I was perfectly OK. I hadn't prayed yet, or had I? I had more questions than answers until I read Daryl's testimony. I had prayed in earnest earlier that day for my hubby, while he was doing some dangerous work up on our very high roof.
I prayed with Hymn 342 from the Christian Science Hymnal: "Stand in His presence, unafraid, / In praise lift up your voice." I strongly held in thought that my husband was in the same presence as his divine protector, guardian, Maker, Ruler, enforcer of all divine laws, including protective gravity. And nothing outside of God had any power, not even as a suggestion. My fear was healed and my hubby finished his work in complete safety. Apparently, this right thinking, of the right portion, about our Christly presence, remained in thought and came to my rescue at a time when it was most needed. My questions were answered.
SHADY COVE, OREGON, US
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