Forty years ago an invitation to...

Emelie Ferguson with contributions from Helen Ferguson Hargreaves, Catherine Ferguson Brodine

Forty years ago an invitation to attend a lecture on Christian Science marked the turning point in my life. I had grown up in an atmosphere of parental domination, inharmony, and fear, and later experienced brutal domination in marriage; so that when Christian Science found me, I was in the depths of despair and poverty and was contemplating suicide. My health was failing, and I was burdened with great fear and filled with anxiety as to what would happen to my two little girls if I passed on. I was earnestly seeking God and went to the minister of my church, but his answers to my questions did not satisfy me. Often I repeated the last verse of the twenty-third Psalm, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."

The beginning of God's answer to my prayers came when I accepted an invitation to a Christian Science lecture. I noticed that people there seemed so happy, and I felt a warm hopefulness. One statement by the lecturer stood out to me, and I was comforted by it. He said in substance, "Any child can understand Christian Science because it is the truth."

I went to a Christian Science Reading Room, and the attendant there explained to me that God is good and that He gives us only peace and happiness. I shall never forget the sense of confidence and freedom which came over me through her assurance that God takes care of His children. Next I sought help of a Christian Science practitioner, and from that day my whole life changed. Encouragement was manifested in courage.

Without anxiety I took my two little girls to Chicago, where we visited my sister for three weeks. Although I had little money, a suitable apartment was found, and I knew that God was directing me. I had never worked before in my life, and I had to find a way to support my children and myself. I felt I should find work that could be done in my home so that I could keep my children with me, and I asked God to tell me what to do. I knew a little about sewing and decided to use this talent. One day I tore a fashion page from a magazine and tacked it in the front window of the apartment as an advertisement that I was taking in sewing. I soon received more orders than I was able to fill. All sense of fear was lost, and our needs were beautifully met.

In the progressive years that I have been studying Christian Science, I have experienced and witnessed innumerable healings, including those of ptomaine poisoning, diphtheria, colds, influenza, Klieg eyes, sprained ankles, a fractured knee, false appetite, pain, fatigue, and headaches. Resentment, self-pity, loneliness, pride, envy, misunderstanding in human relationships, criticism, false judgment, anxiety, and a false sense of responsibility have also been overcome to a great extent.

My daughters and I have been continually blessed. Often our dependence upon God for supply has resulted in amazing demonstrations of His bounty. We have had many evidences of unlimited supply. Through Christian Science we are learning to practice the Golden Rule, and we have made much spiritual progress.

Space is inadequate for me to tell of all the blessings which have come to my family and me through Christian Science. But I can here express my love for God, for Christ Jesus, the Way-shower, and for Mrs. Eddy, who so unselfishly and bravely presented the truth to mankind. I shall be forever grateful.—(Mrs.) Emelie Ferguson, Los Angeles, California.

With humility and gratitude I corroborate my mother's testimony. Divine Love has indeed met our every need in the years since my mother attended her first lecture on Christian Science. The greatest blessings have come when we have asked that His will be done. The inspiration, guidance, and protection which have been ours through Science are proofs that miracles are divinely natural.—(Mrs.) Helen Ferguson Hargreaves, Beverly Hills, California.

I do indeed corroborate my mother's testimony. Although she did not mention it in her testimony, my mother was also completely and permanently healed of a stroke. We are particularly grateful to God for His goodness, to Mrs. Eddy for Christian Science, and to the loving practitioner who patiently helped us to look away from the physical testimony and to see the real child of God.

The unity of purpose with which we prayed reversed every symptom, and today mother's manifestation of vitality, poise, and beauty is the living, joyous evidence of the healing power of Truth.—(Mrs.) Catherine Ferguson Brodine, Los Angeles, California.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit