Article January 16, 1989 Issue

Reflect—don't react

We needn't react to circumstances with anger, fear, or despair. We can express the spiritual qualities that are ours to reflect as God's children.

Marion Somers

During a time of severe domestic upheaval, I was feeling tense and suffering from several physical ailments. Power seemed to be in the hands of others, and I felt helpless. As individuals expressed anger and frustration, I responded to these negative emotions and allowed myself to feel despair.

As a student of Christian Science I realized I needed to pilot my thought above the dark storm of charged emotions, and I diligently searched the Scriptures for solace. I also read from the writings of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, a deeply Christian student of the Bible, Mary Baker Eddy. In her Miscellaneous Writings I found the statement "As many as do receive a knowledge of God through Science, will have power to reflect His power, in proof of man's 'dominion over all the earth.'"^{ Mis., p. 183.} I wasn't sure I needed dominion over all the earth; I simply wanted peace and a sense of dominion over my own emotions. Direction was needed, but I felt more like a ship at sea without a rudder, map, or compass.

I prayed for a clearer understanding of God and to see that personality had no power. I needed a sense of inner peace to quiet my own turbulent thoughts and fears. I humbly thought, "I just want to have dominion over my daily deeds, my own internal conflict, and not to react to the situation at home." I knew God had dominion over the whole earth and as His spiritual child, I expressed this dominion. These thoughts quieted me, although they did not calm the domestic scene.

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