I first relied on Christian Science one time when our little...

I first relied on Christian Science one time when our little daughter was very ill. She had become partially immobile, and I was alone with the decision of what to do. Contemplating the course medicine offered so frightened me that I decided to try Christian Science. I called a Christian Science practitioner for help through prayer, and within the hour the child was healed. It was a point of radical departure for me. The beauty of that hour has provided much inspiration in the twenty-five years since then.

While our children were still young, I began to feel restricted in staying at home—I sensed the need to express my individuality in ways other than constantly caring for small children. One day I read an article in one of the Christian Science periodicals that showed the spiritual value of being well-read in one area of interest, rather than gathering a smattering of information on many topics. Following this recommendation, I read all I could on a subject of concern—the separation of church and state, which is an issue dear to our country's founding principles. In time, I was able to write knowledgeably on this topic, recording thoughts that came to me while I was ironing, cleaning, or traveling. As my knowledge in this particular field expanded, I began to write letters to, and receive answers from, prominent officials who were likewise interested in this subject. Several of my letters to editors were published in widely circulated periodicals, and I also took some leading roles in the community. This activity proved to be satisfying, interesting, and useful without my ever having to leave home for its accomplishment.

In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy states (p. 224), "Cold disdain, stubborn resistance, opposition from church, state laws, and the press, are still the harbingers of truth's full-orbed appearing." Once after hearing media reports unfavorable to Christian Science I felt greatly disturbed—to the point of experiencing physical pain. On the third night of disrupted sleep I recalled a testimony that had been given in our branch church some time before. The testifier had said that studying and praying to recognize the relation of church (or temple) to body had brought healing. I also recalled a pamphlet I'd read in a Christian Science Reading Room on Mary Baker Eddy's role as Leader of the Church of Christ, Scientist. I affirmed that I could only be blessed, not cursed, for adhering to the truth of Christian Science and honoring Mrs. Eddy as the Founder of its Church. Then I saw that everyone has the right to follow God's leadings and to promote and demonstrate Christian healing through study of the Bible and Science and Health. This statement of Mrs. Eddy's came to mind (Science and Health, p. 390), "Let your higher sense of justice destroy the false process of mortal opinions which you name law, and then you will not be confined to a sick-room nor laid upon a bed of suffering in payment of the last farthing, the last penalty demanded by error."