Testimonies of Healing

Recently a problem was solved in my life that, in a tangible way, helped reaffirm for me God's control of our lives. Being a lifelong Christian Scientist, I have seen the effects of the application of this teaching in outstanding ways.

The guidance and love of my mother, Sunday School teachers, and Christian Science practitioners provided a firm spiritual foundation to build on while I was growing up. But it was not until I had reached adulthood and had children of my own that I truly realized Christian Science is not a religion one inherits; it is the means to expressing Life fully, which can be progressively demonstrated through individual effort.

A Christian Science practitioner introduced this system of healing to my parents with a simple request: "Tonight take your Bible and study the Lord's Prayer and the ninety-first Psalm. " At the time, my father had been told by several company doctors that he would never walk again.

The following is a practitioner-patient dialogue that addresses a subject of growing concern to society. The increasing incidence of venereal disease is a major social problem, a challenge that calls for a radical solution—a spiritual answer.

I have belonged to five branch churches of Christ, Scientist, at different times over the years, so I suppose that, if anything, my involvement in healing work could best be described as a "moving experience"! I belonged to a Protestant church when I first heard of Christian Science and was losing weight because I couldn't eat. Since I was unable to take care of my family, my mother-in-law suggested that we all take a vacation.

With conviction I can answer the question, "What about broken bones? Can God heal them?" He can—perfectly. My husband and I were painting our house when I fell from the ladder to the sidewalk below.

During childhood I attended a Christian Science Sunday School, although Christian Science was not practiced in our home. Our family had begun attending services at a branch church after my grandfather was healed of severe inflammation in one leg through Science.

As a Christian Scientist, I often acknowledge, through the words of the Psalmist, the good that has been mine during a lifelong association with this systematic healing religion ( Ps. 107:8 ):"Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" Church has always been a focal point for me—from my days as a pupil in the Christian Science Sunday School through to membership in The Mother Church and a local branch Church of Christ, Scientist.

When I was in my early twenties, my dear husband suddenly passed on. For almost a year, I struggled alone with feelings of grief and loss, and an overwhelming sense of injustice.

Christ Jesus' profound prayer in John 17 ends with this statement: "I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. " How beautifully these words apply to the Christ presence in healing.