While I was in New York on business, pain suddenly enveloped...

While I was in New York on business, pain suddenly enveloped the entire left side of my body. The discomfort continued throughout the night. In the morning I called a Christian Science practitioner for assistance, but found no apparent relief. For three days and nights I could neither lie down nor sleep, so I returned to my home. There, Science treatment was continued. I was entirely convinced of its adequacy to heal me, for I had seen many proofs of the power of God in my life. I pondered deeply "the scientific statement of being" (Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, p. 468 ) and many other potent truths. Outstanding among them was this inspired direction (ibid., p. 496): "Hold perpetually this thought,—that it is the spiritual idea, the Holy Ghost and Christ, which enables you to demonstrate, with scientific certainty, the rule of healing, based upon its divine Principle, Love, underlying, overlying, and encompassing all true being." This statement helped me to pray unmoved, holding steadfastly to the power, presence, and protection of our loving Father-Mother God, and to see that I did not have to accept the false concept of man—the dream of mortality and pain.

My business included a scheduled television appearance in my home city on Monday. It was very important not only to me but also to others. On the Friday before, I was plagued with the suggestion that I could not perform properly—and that it would be logical for me to ask for a replacement. I rejected this tormenting argument and resolved to prove that nothing could take away my equanimity or my God-given ability to function freely and intelligently. I realized that as Mind's expression, man's spiritual capacities are infinite, without limit, and holding to this spiritual fact, I knew I was well fortified with divine power.

On Monday morning, without sleep the night before, I appeared promptly at the television station and performed in an easy, confident manner, without hesitation or strain. Later, from the comments of many viewers, it was evident that my normal freedom and joy were manifested clearly throughout the whole program.

This visible sign of God's sustaining presence was an inspiration that continued. It opened the way for a complete release from the painful disability, and within a short time I was entirely free. I have had other healings in Science, including chronic sore throat, kidney trouble, and the effects of food poisoning.

I am very grateful for the fruitful and happy years I had as a teen-ager in the Christian Science Sunday School, as a member of a Christian Science college organization, and now, for years, as a member of a branch church and The Mother Church. Class instruction vigorously enhanced and heightened my spiritual growth. It gave me a clear scientific understanding of God as infinite and immortal, and of man, my spiritual identity, as the child of God.

I am deeply indebted to Christ Jesus for the life-giving power of Truth he taught and proved to the world, and for the scientific import of his words and works. Our great Leader, Mrs. Eddy, elucidated these clearly in explaining the scientific nature of Christianity, which is graciously blessing the lives of countless thousands thirsting after a better way of life.

(Mrs.) Janet G. Sakanoff
Deerfield, Illinois