Testimony of Healing December 9, 1933 Issue

"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light"

Anne-Dora Winter

"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light." I dwelt in the darkness of material living and thinking for many years before I accepted the glorious light of Christian Science. After the world war my parents passed on and I found myself deprived of all material possessions—home, money, friends. In the following years my poverty and my longing for happiness seemed almost to overwhelm me, and I decided to go to America to "get rich quickly." Naturally, disappointment followed; I felt imposed upon, embittered toward the new environment and the American people. Finally I was in despair and wanted to return to my own country. This resentful mental state manifested itself in sever sciatic rheumatism, which finally compelled me to leave my position. My money was nearly exhausted in payment for medical treatments of every sort, under which I grew steadily worse.

In this extremity a kind lady from next door, who was an earnest student of Christian Science, visited me and lovingly asked me if I would like something to read. I firmly refused, not wanting anything written in the English language. She brought me Der Herold der Christian Science, and one day, just to please this patient friend, I read the first article; but my consciousness was so darkened and resentful that the blessed light did not seem to penetrate at all. After my friend had told me of her own healing of extreme astigmatism, I asked if a healing for me were possible, too, expressing my doubt that God, whom I had neglected all the preceding years, would be willing to draw me out of the pit now. She explained God to me as we know Him in Christian Science—as inexhaustible, divine, incorporeal Love—and our relationship to Him as His children. Though still doubtful, I asked for treatment.

A practitioner was called, and my friend returned with the English-German edition of Science and Health. The practitioner wanted me to read certain pages, and after I was informed how absent work in Christian Science can be done, I sat up in bed and began to read. After reading two sentences I fell asleep, not to wake until morning—a remarkable incident, as I had not slept much for weeks. I felt better, but doubts and fears that it might not last overwhelmed me, and the condition reappeared. However, I was willing to have another treatment, with the result that my condition was so improved that next day I could walk to church. Treatments were continued, and I took up the study of Christian Science earnestly, desiring to know more about the power that heals and saves mankind. At the end of that week I was completely and permanently healed of the rheumatism, and also of the resentment and bitterness. Thus my riches were attained in quite a different way than I expected, but are immeasurably more valuable; and this "joy no man taketh from" me.

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