Testimony of Healing April 3, 1978 Issue

In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy asks (p. 254): "If you venture...

Dorothy J. Howie with contributions from Harry R. Howie

In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy asks (p. 254): "If you venture upon the quiet surface of error and are in sympathy with error, what is there to disturb the waters? What is there to strip off error's disguise?" When a friend (through the Christ, Truth) strips off "error's disguise" for us, it is often a jolt, but it can be a much-needed and healing jolt.

During the 1950's I had a series of problems with an ear infection. Often I had the prayerful help of a Christian Science practitioner, and many times I tried to unsee this lie for myself. Temporary relief would come and the evidence fade, only to recur later with greater intensity.

At about this time, we were planning to visit friends who are Christian Scientists in a small town nearby, and one of these friends was entering the public practice of Christian Science healing. I wanted to ask her for help in Christian Science. The ear condition, with all of its discomforts, was very apparent. She agreed to help me through prayer, and yet after treatment there was no visible improvement or relief. At this point she declared that she didn't care if I believed the lie or not—it wasn't true to God, and she was not going to believe in it. The abruptness of her statement was jolting, as well as her uncharacteristic, and what struck me as totally unsympathetic, tone. For a moment I was hurt, and then I reasoned to myself if my friend is not going to believe it, and if I don't believe in it, what remains to make it real? I knew, despite the visible evidence, that I was healed.

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