Before I learned about Christian Science, I suddenly decided...

Michael Leopardi

Before I learned about Christian Science, I suddenly decided one morning to go out and purchase a Bible. The fact that in my home there was a copy of the Authorized King James Version (which I didn't understand) in no way hindered my compulsion.

The local religious bookstore was closed, so I proceeded down the main street of town. Displayed in a window was an open Bible. I decided to stop and inquire about purchasing one.

This place was a Christian Science Reading Room, and the librarian shared some beautiful spiritual truths with me. For several months I had been earnestly seeking a concept of God to which I could relate. Now, I realized, my prayer had been answered. In this instance, and on many subsequent occasions, this biblical promise was fulfilled (Jer. 29:13): "Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."

After I had studied for some months and gained a deeper understanding of the King James Bible, the Reading Room librarian mentioned that I could overcome the smoking habit and might wish to have the help of a Christian Science practitioner. This interested me because prior to my introduction to Science I had tried several times to quit smoking, using material remedies and willpower, with no success.

I prayed over the selection of a local practitioner listed in The Christian Science Journal, then called for an appointment. The practitioner talked to me about my true spiritual identity created in God's image, as stated in the first chapter of Genesis and elucidated in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. I glimpsed the reality of my being as spiritual and perfect, independent of a need for material crutches to sustain me. God was seen to be the sole support of all true existence. From that time, there was complete freedom from the tobacco habit, and a few months later I realized there had also been a healing of the desire for alcoholic drinks, which at times had been excessive. This occurred ten years ago, and since then I have had no desire to drink or smoke.

In studying Christian Science I find I can understandingly apply these words of Mrs. Eddy's (Science and Health, p. 167): "To have one God and avail yourself of the power of Spirit, you must love God supremely." My love and adoration of Him for the freedom I have found, evidenced in many healings, knows no bounds. My heart also overflows with gratitude for Mrs. Eddy, who shared her priceless gift, an understanding of the Christ, with all mankind. Christian Science is enabling me to see more clearly how to walk in the straight and narrow path that the Master, Christ Jesus, has shown us—to the glorification of God. For me, there is no other way.

Michael Leopardi
Lake Bluff, Illinois

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