When my daughter Anna was a toddler, she developed a severe case of eczema. She was in such discomfort she would wake up from a sound sleep and scratch at her skin, so she got very little rest.
I didn’t seem to be making progress with my prayers for my daughter, so I decided to take her to a pediatrician. However, all they could offer was a steroid cream that would provide only temporary relief, and it had bad side effects.
I rededicated myself to praying for Anna. I remembered other healings I had experienced through Christian Science treatment, such as a healing of chronic ear infections. This encouraged me. I knew God loved Anna and she would find healing, too. I affirmed her perfection as the image and likeness of God, and the fact that she could never be separated from Him and His infinite goodness.
At the same time I looked in the directory of the Journal for the listing of Christian Science practitioners and prayed about whom to call for Christian Science treatment. The practitioner I found was so loving, confident, and kind. Her prayerful work did bring relief. Gradually my daughter’s skin became more normal.
I remember the practitioner spoke with my daughter (who was then about two) on the phone and encouraged her to listen and talk to God, and to say “thank you” to Him for something good whenever she felt discomfort. She was obedient to this direction. I talked to the practitioner, too—many times—during the period my daughter had help from her.
Once, we were on a family trip to the beach. Anna began dealing with a lot of irritation anytime water, sand, or sunblock lotion touched her skin. It made it hard for her to have any fun at the beach. I called the practitioner, and she handled it through prayer; my daughter became comfortable, and we were able to enjoy the rest of our vacation.
Throughout our time praying to see Anna’s spiritual freedom as the child of God, I would remind my daughter to turn her thought to God with that simple and powerful gratitude that opens our hearts to His healing love. She made steady improvement, and after a couple of months Anna was completely healed of the skin condition—it was cleared up for good. She is now eleven and has remained an exceptionally grateful child. She finds and appreciates God’s goodness in each and every day.
Chrissie Sison
Stephens City, Virginia, US
All that I remember from this period of time is all of the good stuff. I remember going on phone calls with the practitioner, and having the nicest talks with her. I remember just feeling so loved whenever I got on the phone with her.
Annalise Sison
