Testimony of Healing January 3, 1976 ISSUE

Thirty years ago I began the study of Christian Science, desiring...

A. Arthur Laird

Thirty years ago I began the study of Christian Science, desiring to be healed of nervous exhaustion, for which I had been discharged from the Army in the middle of World War II. That healing came in a few weeks, after I had thoroughly learned to obey the statement in the textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (p. 261 ), "Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts."

The spiritual enlightenment that accompanied this healing was a revelation to me. I felt the inspiration for weeks, as I saw clearly that man really lives in the ever-present now of Spirit. I had formerly sought satisfaction in a way of life that included gambling and drinking of alcoholic beverages, although the satisfaction I thought I derived this way was only temporary and always had unpleasant aftereffects. Now I saw that there is a spiritual "high" with only good effects, much better than that obtained from alcohol. I joined a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, and The Mother Church and committed my life to bringing enlightenment to the receptive ones wherever I found them. As an institutional worker I found many in the prisons in this area and have seen many men touched as I was by the Christ. These men obtained paroles and became good citizens.

I have had many physical healings. One remarkable one was when I had the flu with a high fever and was confined to bed. A Christian Science practitioner said to me, "Whether you are better or worse, it is still a belief." That turned me from looking to matter to get better. I prayed to see my perfection as the child of God. When I saw this, I was healed instantly and went to work.

Mrs. Eddy has written in the textbook (p. 66 ), "Trials are proofs of God's care."My most difficult trial came during my term as First Reader in my branch church. Circumstances at home caused me to spend many sleepless nights. I learned the truth of these words (ibid., p. 218): "The consciousness of Truth rests us more than hours of repose in unconsciousness." I also had to overcome much fear before the circumstances at home improved. The healing was a blessing to all. During this experience I had what appeared to be a slight stroke but continued my work as Reader without anyone knowing of the trouble. I was so uplifted through it that I can truly say I was glorying in my infirmities, as the Apostle Paul wrote in II Corinthians. I was completely healed.

Words cannot express the gratitude I feel to God for revealing to Mrs. Eddy the method of prayer that Christ Jesus used in accomplishing his wonderful works, so that she could make it available to the world and enable untold numbers to better understand their true spiritual being in God's likeness.

A. Arthur Laird
Kansas City, Kansas

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