Many years ago my mother and I first learned of Christian Science through attending a Christian Science Sunday service. We were interested in it not necessarily for healing, but because we had been seeking the truth. In the small town where we lived, these services were conducted by one brave woman in a hotel room. From this humble beginning, eventually a Christian Science Society was formed, and later Christian Science lectures were given. The light of Truth expelled a lot of resentment toward—and mistaken notions about—Science in that community.

Through study of Christian Science I have been healed of appendicitis, depression, and many unpleasant personality traits. I am also grateful to no longer be ignorant of the Bible.

As an artist, I have learned much through applying the truth of Christian Science in my craft. Thought has been opened to accept inspiration and correction; I have felt God's direction in every aspect of my work. Through an increased understanding of God, I have been able to surrender a strong tendency to idolize art. I've also released human will in planning and done away with doubt and fear about success and about completion of a painting.

When I was a young woman, I suffered from migraine headaches. One time I felt a headache coming on, so I read the Bible Lesson for the week (outlined in the Christian Science Quarterly). It took me two hours to read the lesson because of sleepiness. When I finished, I felt I'd got nothing out of the lesson and was still very uncomfortable physically. So I started at the beginning and read the lesson again. This time I stayed awake, but the headache persisted. So I read the lesson again!

I recalled a parable of Christ Jesus' in which a man asked his neighbor for bread at midnight, and "because of his importunity" the friend finally gave him the bread (see Luke 11:5-8). A similar thing happened to me. The third reading brought complete relief. From then on my fear of the condition lessened until the headaches vanished completely.

At another time, for several days I had been feeling ill, and this was accompanied by a sense of panic. Finally I decided to lie down for a few minutes to ponder "the scientific statement of being" from the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. It includes these words (p. 468): "All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all."

When I finished, I recalled the Bible account of Jesus touching the hand of Peter's mother-in-law and healing her (see Matt. 8:14, 15). I thought, "Oh, if only Christ Jesus were here now to touch me. I would be well." Then it came to me, "Why, Christ, Truth, is right here. It touched you with 'the scientific statement of being' and can heal you." Then I remembered that when Peter's mother-in-law was healed, "she arose, and ministered unto them." So I got out of bed and began to do some chores. As I went, I was entirely freed from all sense of illness.

I love the testimonies in the Christian Science periodicals. In fact, I eagerly turn to them in each issue to see how my fellow journeyers in this practical religion have mastered all kinds of challenges. Their victories are a source of inspiration to me.

Christian Science brings true hope, happiness, and fulfillment. What a joy! I have endless gratitude for our humble Leader, Mrs. Eddy, who walked the way of Christ Jesus and admonishes us (Message to The Mother Church for 1902, p. 4): "I again repeat, Follow your Leader, only so far as she follows Christ."

ELSIA WASSER
Mission, Kansas