One of my first healings, many years ago, came through inspiration I received from reading a testimony of healing in a Christian Science periodical. At the time I was not a Christian Scientist. I had smoked cigarettes for several years and I wanted very much to be free of the habit. Many times I had tried to quit by using willpower, but my efforts had failed to break the habit.

Then one day someone gave me an issue of the Sentinel. I read a testimony by a man who had overcome smoking by recognizing his true spiritual nature as God's idea. He shared some of the spiritually scientific truths that he had prayerfully considered, and he mentioned that the healing was accomplished within a few days.

As I read the testimony, I saw very clearly that my true selfhood as God's image had never been touched by a distasteful habit. This was so clear to me that I never wanted to smoke again. At first I thought that it would take a few days before the habit left. Then it came to me that if this false attraction had no basis in reality, healing it was not a matter of time. And so it was proved. There never was a desire to smoke after that, and there never was a replacing of the habit with some other habit.

Eventually I became a student of Christian Science, and the years have been filled with healings that have helped my family and others. False beliefs are still falling away through a growing understanding of the immortal nature of God and man.

At one point there were periods when I would become fearful over the health of our children and they would soon develop colds that deepened with my fear. One night our youngest child, who was then a tiny baby, was suffering from congestion. I took her from her crib and sat in the dark living room holding her and silently reaching out to divine Love. I reasoned that if there were a thick wall made of all the strongest materials—concrete, steel, iron, rocks—Love's power could penetrate it.

At that moment the healing came and the congestion left the child. It was a beautiful experience. I confidently put the baby back in her little crib, and we both slept freely and peacefully.

In time, I came to see how my fears had a direct bearing on the well-being of my young children. The potent truths in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy helped me overcome fearful thinking. After that, our family never had the problem of heavy colds.

I deeply appreciate the importance of branch church work and the part it plays in forwarding my spiritual growth. Many fellow church members have set examples that have strengthened my efforts to live a freer life. I am grateful to those loving workers whose purpose and joy has been to see others gain their freedom through understanding the immortal nature of God and man.

BARBARA A. STEVENS
Menomonie, Wisconsin