There was a time when I felt uncomfortable with conversations concerning medical topics, but I was hesitant to share what I had learned about healing through Christian Science.
I decided to pray more deeply about Jesus’ message, “Love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:39). How could I truly love my neighbor in the face of such uncomfortable conversations? The answer came through an experience during a camping trip with a group of friends.
Before others arrived, my husband and I discussed an article titled “Love is all there is to you” by Anthony Whitehouse (Journal, February 2011). I began to think more deeply about seeing others around me as expressions of Love, God. The article states: “If we understand ourselves to be intelligent, when confronted with a problem we rejoice before it—rather than trembling at the challenge.” What an eye-opening statement! I have always been grateful and joyful at the time of healing, but I had not considered expressing joy at the onset of a challenge—including when staring into the face of topics I did not like to discuss.
Although a particular person in our camping group was kind and caring, I had an aversion to their consistent medical discussion. But that day, I realized my discomfort was an underlying fear of speaking up about what I understand about God. In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy adjures us to “speak the truth to every form of error” (p. 418). When detailed discussions of medical issues came up that day, I was able to gently and lovingly speak of what I know as the truth about God’s creation. The fear of speaking up melted away, and our conversations flowed harmoniously. I not only felt loving, but loved.
This experience has enabled me to approach other conversations with a fresh perspective and a deeper, heartfelt prayer. From discussions on individual challenges to global issues, we can eliminate fear in our own hearts and rejoice in confidently speaking the truth about Love with love. Then harmony will reign.
Andrea Ward
