Editorial August 29, 1988 Issue

Getting there from here

Michael D. Rissler

The distance between the image of man as the perfect child of God and our everyday life can look pretty formidable. Even Christ Jesus, who healed multitudes and brought comfort to many, was the target of anger and incredulity because what he was saying and doing seemed so out of reach. It still seems that way! But at the heart of his message was the central truth that we are not far away from God, who is divine Love and all-Life.

There's much to learn from what happens in people's lives as the idea that man is now the spiritual child of God dawns in them. I met a woman who had nearly given up all hope in life. Eventually I realized she had been severely mistreated as a child. She learned about Christian Science while she worked a night shift in a business. During periods of quiet she explored the teachings of Christian Science much like one might prepare for and set out on a long journey into an unknown land. Her life was transformed, and the love and generosity that poured out from her touched my family's life and many others.

Another person served his country in wartime, and what he had gone through left harsh memories. We talked from time to time. He told me how Science saved his life in later years when he was confronted with a serious illness. What he learned in Christian Science didn't necessarily make his life easy, but it certainly deepened his commitment to everything that he did. There was an amazing combination of strength and gentleness that evolved from his understanding God as his divine Father and Mother.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Healing in the middle of the night