Testimony of Healing September 2, 1972 Issue

Frustrated in my early life by parental divorce, confused, and...

Sandie M. Hardin with contributions from William A. Brown

Frustrated in my early life by parental divorce, confused, and rebellious against a spiritually disciplined life, I was drawn away from Christian Science. Without any feeling of identity or responsibility I drifted rebelliously through high school. My fast, cool life in high school—drinking, smoking, and speeding in high-powered cars—reflected complete lack of concern for others, or for authority to any degree. I didn't care whom I hurt—it was my life. I wanted to be carefree, and I believed society was a kind of hypocrisy. Such an outlook, I found out later, makes us pay.

I dropped out of college during my freshman year. Facing the world totally unprepared, I entered into a hasty marriage, and a baby was born. In a few years my husband and I separated. When obtaining a divorce, I gave up custody of my son, as I could not care for him. Again I found my life without purpose or meaning. Soon I was involved with a young man, became hung up on drugs—marijuana, LSD, and speed. Like most young people so involved, I found myself in the wrong place at the wrong time. I was arrested for possession of marijuana and charged with a felony. After twelve agonizing hours in jail I was released on bail.

My rebellious mood continued to burn. Soon I was hospitalized with kidney and liver infection and a serious gastric ulcer. I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, and very frightened.

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