Article July 10, 1954 Issue

BOLDNESS IN TRUTH VERSUS TIMIDITY

PEARL G. ANDREWS

A Christian Science student was once asked the question, "Do you think timidity is animal magnetism?" He replied, "Yes, for timidity is fear, the mesmerism and hypnotism of the carnal mind, making one think that he is insufficient, incapable, finite, and inferior. This has a tendency to center one's thought on self and the deficiencies of that self." Let us not yield to these suggestions of fear and self-depreciation. Let us boldly claim our divine right to intelligence—not just a meager amount of it, but infinite intelligence by reflection because man expresses God, infinite Mind. Let us claim the energy and endurance, the wisdom and might, which are rightfully ours when we know that we are ever at one with God.

Mary Baker Eddy tells us in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 18), "Jesus acted boldly, against the accredited evidence of the senses, against Pharisaical creeds and practices, and he refuted all opponents with his healing power." What gave Jesus his great healing power? It was the recognition of his inseparability from the Christ, the spiritual idea of sonship.

It takes spiritual boldness—fearlessness, confidence in and assurance of Truth's prevailing power and presence—to meet and master problems. Boldness does not always demand vehement audible expression. There is a boldness which is heard in the silence of the heart which is fearless in its quiet stand for Truth, undaunted in its speechless knowing of God's power. One possessing such boldness is brave enough, strong enough, and wise enough to be still and pray and listen while others are declaring aloud their radical stand for Truth. Yet gleams of spiritual light come from this stillness, this quiet stand for Truth, and spiritual light sends forth its power.

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