I owe much to Christian Science. Before my mother and father were married, an uncle who had raised my mother and who was a physician persuaded her to go to another physician for an examination. This she did. After the examination, the physician advised my mother to have an operation. He told her that she had an ovarian tumor and that because of it, her life was in danger. However, he told her that having the operation would mean that she could never have children. Upon hearing this prognosis, my mother was very sad. She later decided not to return to the doctor and canceled the appointment for the operation. After this, she accepted the invitation of a neighbor friend to attend a branch Church of Christ, Scientist. Mother followed the teachings of Christian Science from that time forward and eventually became a member of that branch church. My parents were married, and later my sister and I were born. My mother continued her study of Christian Science, and was able to lead a normal, active life. The predicted physical condition never materialized.

How fortunate I was that my mother early enrolled my sister and me in a Christian Science Sunday School. Through the years, study of this wonderful Science has brought many blessings to me and my family; there have been numerous instances of protection, healings, and demonstrations of God's ever-present goodness. The Bible and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, have been my great help and guiding light during many years. For this I am continually grateful.

Several years ago while rock-climbing near the seashore, I slipped and fell, severely twisting one ankle and foot. Although the pain was quite intense, I immediately declared that in my true being I was God's reflection—unfallen, held upright in perfection, and harmonious. As I lay there, these words from Hymn No. 53 in the Christian Science Hymnal came to thought: "Everlasting arms of Love/Are beneath, around, above."

When I was unable to move, I also silently declared, "There are no accidents in divine Mind." I knew that, as God's idea, I could never be deprived of my freedom. Then I began to ponder "the scientific statement of being" from the Christian Science textbook. It begins (p. 468): "There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all." I affirmed, "Matter is nothing. God is All." I knew that we are all under God's law of good, no matter what picture the so-called material senses would try to impose. The perfection of God and man, His image and likeness, is the only truth; mortal sense is the liar.

Although my husband wanted to carry me back to our car, I would not permit him to. I felt it was important that I act in accordance with what I'd been declaring as the truth. So, with great effort, I managed to pull myself up and hobble to the car on my own, affirming that God is our strength and help in every need. As the words from the hymn mentioned earlier continue: "God it is who bears us on,/His the arm we lean upon."

That evening, the swelling in the ankle increased, and the foot was sore. But I knew better than to accept such evidence as real. I continued to pray, affirming that God cares for all His ideas— His perfect, precious children—and that no thing or circumstance could ever interfere with or destroy our rightful heritage of health and peace.

That night I was able to sleep. In the morning not a vestige of pain, swelling, or tenderness in my foot or ankle remained. The healing has been permanent. For this and many other healings, my gratitude to God is unbounded.

MARION S. WILSON
Monterey, California