Where does one begin to express prayerful gratitude for a lifetime of blessings in Christian Science? "Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered" (Ps. 40:5).

My last testimony appeared in an issue of the Sentinel when our children were still quite young. They have now completed Christian Science Sunday School; two are pursuing careers in the business world, one is still in college. I cannot imagine raising children without Christian Science. There have been challenges of every sort, but each has been resolved through prayer.

Our healings include those of severe sunburn, chronic hay fever, and swollen glands. Social and peer relationships have been harmonized, employment opportunities have provided necessary funds for college, and problems of housing on campus have been resolved. The list is endless.

Our experience, as parents, has been inspiring as we have watched our three daughters blossom. We are confident in the knowledge that they are carrying on the lessons learned in Science into their individual areas of learning and study, employment, church, social activities, and daily living.

I have had countless physical healings, but the one that stands as a beacon is the healing of a series of growths on my forehead several years ago. The growths appeared at different times and each time in a different spot. I prayed diligently and each growth fell away. However, one persisted and grew in the center of my forehead. It was noticeably ugly and the subject of many questions by well-meaning acquaintances. I felt the healing was necessary for them as well as for me.

Especially helpful was this Bible verse (Isa. 40:4, 5): "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."

Over a period of months I worked with a Christian Science practitioner. There were many moments of discouragement, but his loving, prayerful support uplifted me each time.

One day I looked in a mirror and thought I resembled a unicorn. Immediately the illusion was broken with peals of laughter and the recognition that unicorns are only a myth, a fable. That was the first real sign of light and healing in my thought.

Several times the growth fell off, and I was thrilled andgrateful, but it would return more aggressively. I found a helpful verse in Nahum (1:9): "What do ye imagine against the Lord? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time." I continued my daily activities despite the stares and reactions of people.

When I was able to accept my true, spiritual identity as a perfect child of God—loved by Him and without blemish or spot—the healing was complete and the growth dropped away. "The power of Christian Science and divine Love is omnipotent. It is indeed adequate to unclasp the hold and to destroy disease, sin, and death" (Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, p. 412).

Patricia E. Hockenberry
Glen Mills, Pennsylvania

We are the three daughters referred to in the testimony of our mother. We are grateful to have been raised in Christian Science and to verify its practical and healing truths.

Tarrissa E. Hockenberry
Kristine L. Hockenberry
Heidi Eirene Hockenberry