Before I became interested in...

Marianne Schmidt

Before I became interested in Christian Science, I usually suffered once or twice a year from a severe inflammation of the throat. After I began the study of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, it grew more and more absorbing to me, and soon there simply was no room left for a thought of the difficulty. This healing proved permanent and is one of the many brought about through reading our textbook.

For years I suffered from cramps which recurred at regular intervals and which I dreaded. One night was unforgettable. I was wakened by increasing pains. Seized with fear, I called my mother. I knew, however, that it was of no use to cling to a person, and in my deep anxiety I turned to God with special fervor. These burning questions came into my mind: "Now what, really, do I desire most? Do I wish merely to get rid of these pains, or do I first of all desire to draw nearer to God?" I answered unequivocally and with deep sincerity: "I wish to draw nearer to God. I desire above all to love and know Him aright." Then I added, "And if these pains are needed for this end, they can endure!"

At the same time, however, I remembered Christian Science had taught me that there is no reality in evil—in sin, sickness, pain—since they are not God-given. I knew that instead of accepting pain, I should joyously affirm the omnipresence and omnipotence of God, good. In realizing the perfection of God's creation I suddenly felt, even in the midst of the still undiminished pain, an unspeakable sense of happiness. I could have shouted for joy, for I felt completely free in my mind, as though I had nothing further to do with the pains. Finally they left, and they have never returned. I want to add that from that time on I never again feared the recurrence of these pains; the dread had left me entirely.

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