During my early years my mother never administered medicine to us children, although there were brief times when we were under a physician's care. It was only natural that my mother's calmness and ineffable faith paved the way for us, some time later, to take up the glorious study of Christian Science!

When I was in my early teens I was enrolled in a Christian Science Sunday School. There I learned the nature of God and the basic truths of Christian Science. In addition I acquired a great appreciation for our Master, Christ Jesus, and his devoted follower, Mrs. Eddy.

I clearly remember a Sunday School teacher telling me one day that I could do whatever I wanted to do—so long as it was right. This inspired me, through the years, to face and to conquer each challenge that confronted me. It helped me develop various talents as a result of faith in God's direction. Through one of these talents I once received an award in theatricals. In this profession, also, I advanced into an assistant executive's position. Today I still enjoy a steady flow of public appearances as a dramatic monologuist.

Throughout my years as a student of Christian Science, while I have had a negligible number of physical problems, there have been various disappointments and heartaches. These have all been overcome through the application of the truths of Christian Science. I would like to relate two experiences that conclusively proved to me the power of the law of Christ.

Some years ago a promising young man in my family was murdered. From his childhood on, my husband and I had grown to cherish this young individual as though he were our own son. A beautiful relationship had developed, and we had spent many joyous times together.

When this young man passed on, my grief seemed inconsolable. Despite my husband's fine support, I didn't feel I could cope with what I deemed an untimely and cruel loss. This state of things went on for several months. Finally one night I found myself feeling quite alone. Racked with heartache and bitterness, I had reached the point where I no longer wanted to live. Extinction, it seemed, would be less painful. Yet it frightened me that I suddenly had so little control.

Out of desperation I began calling on various ones whom I had befriended in the past, asking if I might visit with them until the crisis passed. One by one came the excuses—some had plans, others had obligations; the last refusal was actually ludicrous. At that point self-pity entered the picture. Had I not befriended each of them? Where was the gratitude, the compassion?

Distraught, I dropped to my knees in supplication to God—where I should have turned first, since He is the source of all comfort. As I prayed, it dawned on me that truly the Christ was there. Blessedly enveloped in the light of this inspiration, I found myself relieved of all bitterness. The temptation of self-destruction disappeared. In those moments I was permanently healed of all bitterness and grief. How grateful I was for this wonderful release!

At another time I was on a return motor trip over a heavily traveled highway. After a friend and I had driven several miles from the last small town before reaching a lake, our car was suddenly caught up in a very strong wind. There was also thick smoke, making it impossible for me to see much beyond the windshield. It was soon apparent that we had driven into a forest fire. Burning pieces of trees began pelting the car with great force.

My friend, who was not a Christian Scientist, begged me to stop the car. She feared that we would inadvertently drive into the lake. But I implored her to be calm and to turn to God. To stop, I felt, would endanger the motorists behind us, and to turn around seemed impossible. So I kept steadily on, remembering the three Hebrew men who, through heavenly trust, were saved from destruction in the fiery furnace (see Dan., chap. 3).

Soon I began to sing some of the lines from Hymn No. 78 in the Christian Science Hymnal. The first verse begins, "God is my strong salvation; / What foe have I to fear?" And the verse concludes, "What terror can confound me, / With God at my right hand?" As I pondered these truths, all fear left me and tears of gratitude flowed for God's promise and protection.

Shortly thereafter we reached the lake, where all was clear and peaceful, and we crossed the bridge safely toward home. I would like to add that I had not forgotten to include in my prayers gratitude that divine security includes all. Later a report on television revealed that ten motorists had driven through the fire area before traffic could be rerouted and the fire brought under control, and there was not a single accident or injury. This, the television announcer added, was "a miracle."

For the many years during which I have been a student of these wonderful teachings, I am filled with gratitude for the blessedness and protection of God.

VICTORIA LENNOX HILL
New Orleans, Louisiana