I had two major physical challenges in 2022. Both were healed through Christian Science. The first challenge had to do with mobility and intense pain in one leg. The temptation was to hide out at home and stay in the “closet of prayer.” This included the thought that I could not attend church in person because walking, sitting, and riding in the car were extremely uncomfortable. Even though our church had an online option, I resisted participating in this way. I truly felt there was no better healing environment than being there in church. And I felt a tremendous level of support from fellow branch church members.
The second sentence in the definition of Church in the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, was so meaningful to me: “The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick” (p. 583).
I was clearly looking for proof of Christian Science practice. I was ready for my thoughts to be elevated to acknowledge my always present perfection. I desperately wanted any dormant understanding roused. I longed for the apprehension of spiritual ideas. And I knew that the work being done by my Christian Science practitioner and me was for the demonstration of divine Science that heals the sick. How could I not be in church? Soon, the pain and limited mobility dissolved and I was healed.
