Testimony of Healing February 11, 1956 Issue

Of all the healings I have had...

Jeanette C. Rice

Of all the healings I have had in Christian Science the most valued is the overcoming of the smoking habit of sixteen years' standing. My sincere desire for church membership, whereby I could serve the Cause of Christian Science, was the motive behind my desire for this healing. However, the habit was tenacious.

When I joined my husband overseas I attended services of an informal group of Christian Scientists. Soon I received an invitation to participate in its activities. I was filled with joy and gratitude because I now had the opportunity I had wanted for many months. As I performed my appointed work I reached the peak of my desire to overcome the smoking habit. I knew that smoking was not in accordance with the teachings of Christian Science. My conscience troubled me to such an extent that I realized I must take my stand for Truth.

Mrs. Eddy tells us in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 1), "Desire is prayer," and (p. 326), "Working and praying with true motives, your Father will open the way." Indeed the way was opened for me. I was led to read an article in The Christian Science Journal which stated in essence that one sometimes puts off making a demonstration because of the thought of insufficient spiritual understanding and thinks he will take a stand at a later date. However, the article continued, if the claim is a physical one, causing great suffering, one immediately takes a stand for Truth.