Testimony of Healing February 6, 1971 Issue

I have longed to write a testimony of gratitude for Christian Science...

Elcina Bright

I have longed to write a testimony of gratitude for Christian Science and what it has meant to me, for I have known a freedom I had not known before taking up the study of this Science—freedom from fear, lack, false ambitions, human outlining. All these freedoms came gradually as I yielded to God every ambition, each and every purpose, and learned to listen for divine guidance. When I ceased my human strivings and endeavored to please God, I found peace and a more satisfying life.

I took steps to build a new house alone. I had not done enough prayerful metaphysical work about it as we are taught to do in Christian Science. Consequently I was constantly faced with lack and the prospect of indebtedness. However, each time problems of lack arose I turned to Christian Science for guidance, and each time the immediate need was met. One day while reading The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany by Mrs. Eddy, my thought was arrested by these words (p. 232): "The right way wins the right of way, even the way of Truth and Love whereby all our debts are paid, mankind blessed, and God glorified." The thought came to me that I should expect to be free of debt and that it was right for me to be free. I began studying Scriptural references to the word "debt" and references from the writings of Mrs. Eddy.

Particularly helpful was the passage from the Lord's Prayer, "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" (Matt. 6:12). Very helpful were the statements from Miscellaneous Writings by Mrs. Eddy (p. 307), "Never ask for to-morrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment." Also, "God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies." I endeavored to put into practice these right ideas as opportunities were afforded me and to practice in daily affairs such qualities as strict honesty, trustworthiness, charity, and others. The daily study of the Lesson-Sermon, in the Christian Science Quarterly, and service as church organist afforded opportunities for spiritual growth. In Luke we read (6:38), "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom." I endeavored to share with others who could give me nothing in return but their gratitude.