LETTERS

HORTON FOOTE INTERVIEW COMFORTS

My heart is full this morning with the depth of spirituality brought out in the interview with Horton Foote by Jeffrey Hildner [July, p. 34]. I awoke in the night and came across this article, again to ponder its wisdom. I found myself praying, so naturally, for a very long time, not wanting, just thinking and listening. Soon I realized my thoughts about my dear departed husband had not included a smidgen of sadness, regret, or longing. Though I have had many inspirations in that regard, this brought a newfound freedom. Soon—after only a few hours of sleep—I left for my exhausting new job, feeling rested and refreshed throughout the day, with no need for catch-up rest later.

"Grace pace"—what a hoot, and how we need it! We're so hesitant to show the down times, and yet even through those, the dominion is already self-evident, eternal, inevitable. And the photo, how subtly it shows the quality of the man, the value of his work.

LESLIE GOSHORN
BURLINGTON, WASHINGTON, US

REAL CHURCH

Thumbs way up on the July Journal. After reading the periodicals for many years and loving them, somehow this one touched me on so many levels. Russ Gerber's conversation "Real certain" with LaMeice Harding [p. 14] was so wonderful with the sharing of her backgroung and challenges. I was especially inspired by the treatment she gave on page 19. It was one of the most complete treatments I've read in a long time.

The other part that really got to my soul were the interviews about Church [p. 40]. They really struck a chord with me because for years I've been listening to members arguing about all the unimportant things about church (and for many years I was also guilty). There are so many wonderful truths expressed. I was grateful that the day I read these, I was able to read all of them without interruption. Also, after reading so many items from the Mary Baker Eddy Library for the Betterment of Humanity, which shine a light on the places and environments the early workers called church, I just want to shout from the rooftops that it has nothing to do with building, color of walls, what is worn at the desk, or any of the other things that seem so important to us. It's simply about sharing, healing, and listening for God's message. The people interviewed were living the spirit of Church, and that is the mission statement we should all be demonstrating.

CAROL KAYE
AUBURN, CALIFORNIA, US

SPIRITUAL SUSTENANCE OVER BUILDING MAINTENANCE

I so much appreciated the theme of your June issue: "The majesty of Christian Science." As one who came (or rather, is coming) late to Christian Science, I am awed by its astonishing power and potential. This Science is so much more than another iteration of the relatively minor theological differences separating most Protestant denominations—infinitely more, in fact, than any other current practice of Christianity. It has been puzzling to encounter a tepid, conventional, denominational mindset in some branch Churches of Christ, Scientist, I have visited. The on-point articles in this commitment.

Since a good portion of my career as an architect has been devoted to the restoration of historic buildings, I read with special interest the editorial regarding the disposition of Mrs. Eddy's former homes that capped the issue [p.60]. All too often I have found an enthusiasm for the preservation of a structure heedless of the extraordinary costs involved in its initial restoration and, more importantly, in its ongoing maintenance. Of even greater concern is the lack of a clear understanding of what societal benefits would accrue from a building's preservation. A vague reference to the importance of "history" is too frequently the last, and only, argument. Questions as to whether a structure was to be kept forever and at what cost are met with confused silence.

That the Christian Science Board of Directors would consider and boldly act on such a controversial issue is extremely refreshing and uplifting. It is proof the Church is vital and active. It is willing to unshackle itself from materialistic bonds and conventional thinking to focus, as it must, on its essential, awesome, majestic mission.

MICHAEL D. LORIMER
ALLENTON, MICHIGAN, US

AFTER COMPLICATIONS, HEALTHY CHILDBIRTH WITNESSED—TWICE

The article " '. . . the sustaining infinite' " by Channing Walker [June, p. 24] reminds me of the birth of our children. When our first son was born two months early, the doctor said there was little chance he would survive. But daily prayer for weeks, along with the help of a Christian Science practitioner, brought him back from the incubator to our home. (Now he is the father of three wonderful sons.)

After this the doctor said that the Rh factors did not match and that we should have no more children. A year later, my wife was pregnant again. We were surprised and said, "God is sending us a new idea to take care of it." We prayed consistently and deeply. The birth of our daughter occurred without danger or difficulty. We were very grateful. As a teenager, my daughter once said to us, "I am so happy to live with you." (Now she herself is awaiting her second babe.) God's love and care continue forever.

JUERGEN VOGT
ROSENHEIM, GERMANY

Editor's note: In our ongoing quest to update and make the Journal more reader friendly, we're making a change in this issue that's consistent with current magazine practices. Rather than identify quotations in footnotes, we will use parenthetical references within the text itself. We will reserve footnotes for the rare occasions when there's added information.