How does one express the deep gratitude he feels for a way of...

Thelma M. Blezard Townsend

How does one express the deep gratitude he feels for a way of solving life's problems—a way that is so merciful and effective? The truth lived and taught by Christ Jesus is indeed such a way. Only by constant endeavor to learn and live this ideal more closely can we show our gratitude.

The number of healings in our large family has been abundant. I had a quick and complete healing of fever when our first child was born. So-called childhood diseases were quickly overcome, or the youngsters did not have them at all. One occasion, however, was much more serious.

Our fourth son was not yet two years old when the children had measles. The other children hardly seemed touched, but this little fellow did not respond to prayerful treatment quickly. His father and grandmother in the home wanted medical care for him. I felt sure that the healing was imminent and left the child with his grandmother for a while, expecting to find a well, playful, little boy on my return. However, what I found was a sick baby and the message that if his fever rose again that night there would be serious results.

I sent the family from the room, and when the distressed child became even more flushed and uncomfortable, I picked him up and prayed earnestly to know that this was God's child. I realized that it is our Father-Mother God, infinite Love alone, that heals all our diseases. And I knew that God would heal this little one. I put my son in the care of his heavenly Father. Then, almost as though I had been told to do so, I placed him in his crib, slipped into the bed alongside, and went to sleep. In the morning we both awoke at the usual time, and the child was so improved that everyone rejoiced at what had taken place.

In thinking gratefully about the healing the next morning, I realized I had been jealous of his grandmother's love for the baby. I called the practitioner, who had said some time before that she felt impelled to tell me to be free of any morbid thought, although at the time she did not see how this applied. Then we remembered that Mrs. Eddy tells us (Science and Health, P. 68), "Jealousy is the grave of affection." That dear grandmother lived with us some twenty-five more years, was loved by all, and enjoyed both the children and grandchildren.

In the raising of our family this healing has continued to bless all, freeing me and the young ones from bonds of false responsibility and ownership. We knew we all belonged to God.

Much more recently I was healed after a fall down the back stairs, when two simple words, "Love is," became so clear that no other power could appear real. The pain was gone, leaving only gratitude in its wake. This immediate recovery took perhaps ten minutes.

Needs of all kinds, including graduate degrees for all six children, have been supplied through an understanding of God's lovingkindness.

Daily and hourly the highway of Love and Truth is clearly before me, as I truly seek it. Class instruction came about in a natural way for me, and for that also I am truly grateful.

(Mrs.) Thelma M. Blezard Townsend
Summit, New Jersey

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