How grateful I am for Christian Science! Reared in a Christian home, taught to love the Bible and to turn to God in prayer, I found myself dissatisfied, as I matured, with what I had been taught of God. One day it dawned upon me that the prayers I offered were effective only to the extent that I put into practice my desire to be better. This revelation freed me from a former sense of a personal God who ruled by some unknown power. I learned not many months later that I had been lovingly prepared through such illuminations for the acceptance of Christian Science, which I had known of but had ridiculed for a number of years.
Desiring one Easter morning to bring joy and happiness to one who had stood alone for many years in her study of Christian Science, I was led to accompany her to a service, rather than attend as usual the orthodox services with other members of the family. I have always been grateful for making that choice, for it was the beginning of my sincere interest in the study of Christian Science. Thus I found the greatest treasure I have ever known through my desire to make another happy. As I have progressed in my study and application of this wonderful Science it has become increasingly clear that selfless giving indeed opens our thought to countless blessings.
I have been very grateful that shortly after becoming a student of Christian Science I was, through a deep sense of honesty, led to withdraw my membership from my former church, and to take my stand openly for Christian Science. Such action paved the way for my admittance to The Mother Church and to a branch church. I owe much to this membership for the growth I have made. Without church membership I should not have gained my present knowledge of this subject. The trials I have encountered by taking an open stand for Truth have strengthened me and brought much comfort and joyousness in enabling me to love my enemies understandingly.
This testimony would not be complete without expressing gratitude for many healings. I have also seen many problems solved through the correction of my own thought of others, and I am indeed grateful to know that it is the privilege of every Christian Scientist to love his neighbor as himself.
One afternoon I was suddenly attacked with a case of violent vomiting. I had never experienced any serious physical disorders before, and my fear grew rapidly, but in spite of great difficulty I was able to get in touch with a practitioner. The thought of death was so great that for a moment I was tempted to seek medical aid, but there immediately followed the resolution to cling steadfastly to my knowledge of Christian Science, irrespective of developments. Thereafter I held tenaciously to the one statement. "God is my Life." The assistant manager of the hotel where I was staying insisted that I be taken to a hospital, but the manager, knowing how much Christian Science meant to me, heeded my request, vetoed the intention, and kept in close touch with the practitioner. Friends with whom I had an engagement soon arrived, and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy was read aloud to me. The healing took place in a few hours. My natural coloring was restored, and I was able to take nourishment. Two days later, while singing a hymn in church, I suddenly realized that the sense of weakness which had lingered was an argument for sympathy, and with this realization my normal sense of strength instantly returned. Some weeks later I had another attack, but with the help of the practitioner it was instantaneously and permanently healed. I am indeed grateful to the practitioner and friends for their devoted aid; it is a great blessing to have learned, through this experience, that God is indeed able to meet every emergency.
To the many friends and practitioners who have given me a helping hand, often by merited rebuke, I am indeed most grateful. I must also express thankfulness for learning early the importance of subscribing for our literature, which has been a great blessing not only to me, but also to those to whom it has introduced Christian Science.— Coleman, Texas.
