Christian Science has taught me and my family to expect nothing but good from an ever-present and loving God. It has been fifteen years since I submitted my last testimony, but never a day goes by that I do not reflect with gratitude on the many blessings that this Science of spiritual healing has brought us.
The calm assurance given in the Bible (Ps. 46:1),"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble," has often fortified me in my career. Many goals have been realized, including completion of a master's degree and a doctoral degree while continuing to teach full time, care for my family, and fulfill church and civic responsibilities. Each time I was tempted to feel frustrated because of weariness, lack of ideas, or anxiety, I received fresh inspiration by studying the Bible Lesson in the Christian Science Quarterly or reading articles and testimonies in the Christian Science periodicals.
As a school administrator, I have listened for many years to parents expressing fears and concerns about their children. The hopelessness, frustration, and anxiety appear to take away all the joy and sharing of this special relationship. How grateful I am that rearing our two boys to manhood has been filled with fun, love, and satisfaction! The Bible teaching that grounded me in Truth as a child attending the Christian Science Sunday School, plus the insights the boys received from their Sunday School instruction, provided us with the strength and guidance to meet every circumstance.
Through earnest listening to God's guidance, I was recently able to fulfill my longtime dream of taking Christian Science class instruction. The new inspiration I received, even after many years of studying and practicing Christian Science, was truly amazing. What a wonderful blessing this spiritual activity is and how grateful I am to Mrs. Eddy for providing it!
The deeper insights into spiritual healing that I gained from class have been particularly helpful to me at work in dealing with large numbers of students, school personnel, and parents. Being able to lean on God gives me the confidence to tackle and resolve what seem like insurmountable problems of discipline, hostility, and dishonesty. When I mentally turn away from the material picture, for even a few seconds, to recognize and affirm man's true relationship to God, I find fresh ideas for resolutions I have never tried before.
Problems of health have been few in our household. I have relied solely on Christian Science for healing for our sons and me. My husband, who is not a Scientist, has laid down ultimatums at times; however, this strengthened my resolve, and the healing always came before his time limit was up. I have not missed a day of work for illness in the more than twenty years I have been working in schools. What a proof of the efficacy of understanding that we cannot be separated from God, good!
This past year I faced my first really serious physical problem. I tripped over a hidden log while looking for a lost golf ball and fell. I was momentarily stunned, and I remember hearing my wrist crack.
Before the rest of my foursome could reach me, I was already silently acknowledging the fact that accidents do not occur in God's kingdom, which in reality is where I dwell as a spiritual idea. I also denied the suggestion that man is a victim of chance happenings. One promising thought overpowered all others—this situation would result in glory to God.
As I focused my thought on these spiritual ideas, I was able to fulfill all of the obligations of a busy weekend. My arm appeared swollen and bruised, and my husband as well as several well-meaning friends expressed a great deal of concern. I phoned a Christian Science practitioner, and she called my attention to this assuring statement by Mrs. Eddy (Science and Health, p. 381): "We cannot in reality suffer from breaking anything except a moral or spiritual law." I claimed my freedom by virtue of this powerful truth, and before the swelling and discoloration disappeared I knew the healing had taken place.
The confidence and support of my sons and daughter-in-law were so helpful, especially in overcoming anxious predictions of stiffness and lack of use of my wrist because it had not been set. In fact, these suggestions made me work more diligently to specifically deny every limitation. Particularly helpful was this passage from Science and Health (p. 425): "Consciousness constructs a better body when faith in matter has been conquered. Correct material belief by spiritual understanding, and Spirit will form you anew."
Five weeks after the incident, I was back playing golf—and I never gave up playing tennis, as I was able to toss the ball for the serve with my injured arm very shortly after the fall.
The "glory" that resulted from this experience has been the patience, meekness, and gratitude that it generated. Such a test indeed strengthens us to act with increased vigor and faith. Mrs. Eddy quotes this arresting phrase in Science and Health (p. 266): "man's extremity is God's opportunity." Christian Science has taught me to meet every challenge or trial with confidence.
Ashtabula, Ohio
