Testimony of Healing November 8, 1947 Issue

I cannot adequately express my...

Thomas A. McClain with contributions from Caroline Gilmore McClain

I cannot adequately express my deep sense of gratitude for all that Christian Science has done for me. I was reared in a Christian Science family and had the privilege of attending a Christian Science Sunday School until I became twenty years of age. Since that time, and particularly in recent years, I have come to realize more and more how great this privilege was, for in times of need I was never offered anything but Christian Science, with the result that in my early experiences I gained faith in the absolute efficacy of this Science to meet every need. In later years, and at a time when I had wandered from its teachings and was in great need, this faith in Christian Science led me to seek the help of a practitioner. Through the work of the practitioner my love for Science was renewed as I felt its healing influence, and my need was completely met. Since that time I have had many wonderful experiences, not the least of which was the healing of the smoking habit, for which I am exceedingly grateful.

I am particularly joyful at this time over the recent healing of a problem of many years' standing. As far back as I can remember, I felt a tendency to criticize and judge my friends and associates. I realized that my criticism was not always just, even from a human standpoint, but I mentally defended myself on the basis that at least I kept my thoughts to myself. I accepted this tendency as a trait of human nature, and even went so far as to classify it as a family characteristic. Recently, after being released from the Army, I came face to face with the suggestion of maladjustment and confusion inflicted by mortal mind upon returning servicemen. It became advisable for me to ask for the help of a practitioner, who took up daily work for me. The work and counsel of the practitioner were lovingly and patiently given over several weeks' time, and gradually the error was uncovered: I was joyfully willing to declare that God, the one source of intelligence, love, and goodness, was my only source of being, but I was neglectful in knowing this as the truth about those around me.

Once specific work was done to handle this false belief, the need for right employment was met. The way opened for me to take a position that not only met my every human need but also gave me a fine opportunity to test the strength and permanency of my healing of this so-called trait of character. The overbearing sense of criticism that formerly came at the least provocation has completely left me, and even under what human sense would describe as trying circumstances I have experienced a complete freedom from this habit. The truth that it never was a trait of my true character has been proved finally and completely.

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