Articles

A SUNNY, NOVEMBER DAY at the University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville—not a cloud in the sky. On the crowded plaza in front of the student union, singer-songwriter George Clements played his guitar and sang tunes encompassing spiritual themes.

IT ALL BEGAN WITH the many newcomers who were coming into our Christian Science practitioners' office asking about Christian Science and Science and Health. My wife and I had become acquainted with these inquirers at various wellness events, book fairs, and through their requests for help through prayer.

OVER THE COURSE OF MY LIFE, my study of biology and the natural world has provided me with numerous uplifting inspirations. In fact, I would say that my sense of communication with God has been supported by my study of biology more than anything else.

AS A YOUNG ADULT , I often asked myself if I could live without being a church member or attending church services. I wondered if it was enough to simply rely on my own study or attend a lecture or visit a Christian Science Reading Room when I felt inspired or had a need.

WE'D JUST HAD a heavy rain, and I was in the yard picking up debris when I saw it—a shiny, gold circle in the wet ground. I dug it up and found a ring, one my husband had lost.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE ARRIVAL OF SPRING in the heartland of the United States is all the flowering trees. Recently, in talking with friends, we were commenting on the particular beauty of the redbud trees this year.

THE POPULAR MOVIE Dead Poets Society of some 20 years ago came to my thought as Easter approaches. In a pivotal scene early on, the teacher climbs onto his desk and asks: "Why do I stand up here? Anybody?" "To feel taller?" queries a student.

WE KNOW THE STORY SO WELL. It's not surprising it has been told and retold in sermon and song, as well as on the screen, with all the special effects that Hollywood has to offer.

I'VE OFTEN PONDERED the significance of the Cross and Crown seal printed on the cover of this magazine, and on all the published writings of The Christian Science Publishing Society. It's a vivid symbol of the majestic purpose of Christian Science, and of the role for each one of us in fulfilling that purpose—Christ Jesus' commission to his followers to "heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons" (The New King James Version, Matt.

"Dost thou 'love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind'?" This question stops me in my tracks every time I think of it. It forces a sober self-examination of my willingness to sacrifice everything for God and for Christian Science, the greatest system of ideas that mankind will ever need or know.