I AM MOST EXCITED to have found the key to the "gates of Paradise," as Mrs. Eddy promised in Science and Health: "Through discernment of the spiritual opposite of materiality, even the way through Christ, Truth, man will reopen with the key of divine Science the gates of Paradise which human beliefs have closed, and will find himself unfallen, upright, pure, and free ..." (p. 171).
For more than a decade I struggled with infrequent episodes of intense internal pain that left me unconscious and resulted in a loss of bodily functions. In time the symptoms became more frequent and severe in nature, after which soreness restricted my mobility for days. Many times I found myself in public places when an episode would occur; each time there was a Christian Scientist who happened to be there to help me. Upon calling a Christian Science practitioner, who would pray for me, there was immediate healing of all fear and pain. Each time I felt God's loving embrace lifting me out of the severe effects.
But one instance awakened me to the need to permanently see myself as God naturally and effortlessly created me. It occurred while I was alone with my infant daughter. She was napping nearby while I bathed. After I drained the tub, I lost consciousness—and I awoke to her crying. I had no way of knowing how long I had been out, but I was even more distraught when I realized I couldn't move or talk. I reached out with my whole heart for God to comfort my daughter, since I couldn't physically go to her. Within a short time, I was able to get one of my arms to move and reached for the phone that was resting on the edge of the bathtub. I was able to call my mom, who lived nearby. I could only whisper "Help"—but it was enough for her to realize she needed to come immediately.
