For all the spiritual truths contained in the teachings of...
For all the spiritual truths contained in the teachings of Christian Science, I am truly grateful. Understanding these truths, even to a small degree, has changed and improved my life.
Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy states: "Being is holiness, harmony, immortality. It is already proved that a knowledge of this, even in small degree, will uplift the physical and moral standard of mortals, will increase longevity, will purify and elevate character."
I was reared in Christian Science, and I attended a Christian Science Sunday School. The spiritual foundation I received there deeply enriched my spiritual sense, giving me a "rock" on which to build. I will always be grateful for my Sunday School teachers, who shared with me spiritual truths; and for my parents, who gave me the opportunity to learn of God and man through Christian Science.
During my late teen years, however, I strayed from the teachings of Christian Science and lived a life completely contrary to my religious upbringing. I was indeed a "lost sheep" until, after much turmoil, a "still small voice" told me this was not the way to live.
At the time, I was living on the West Coast, and my parents and the rest of my family were in the Midwest. I prayed to know what to do, where to go, and how to live. Humbly I asked God to show me the way. Several days went by. Then one morning, upon waking, I felt impelled to go back home. I knew without a single doubt that my prayer had been answered, that I was not simply following my own will.
After moving back to the Midwest, I met a man with two daughters from a previous marriage whom I married. After we married we had a daughter within the year. My continuing growth in Christian Science has been invaluable in our marriage and in the raising of our family. The challenges that have been met and overcome through prayer are numerous, including those of relationship difficulties, financial concerns, and physical troubles.
I am also very thankful that my husband supports my desire to progress in Christian Science, allows the children to attend Sunday School, and attends church with me when he is able.
A healing that stands out to me occurred one summer after I became covered with a rash from poison ivy while out mowing the lawn. I called a practitioner to help me through prayer, and I worked with this statement from Science and Health: "Love, redolent with unselfishness, bathes all in beauty and light." Also helpful was this sentence: "Christian Science brings to the body the sunlight of Truth, which invigorates and purifies."
As I prayed, I realized that I had been very irritated with one of our daughters. Through the divine power of Truth, I quickly awoke to see the reality that all of us and all things, plants included, live in the kingdom of God, reflecting only His goodness, never harming one another! And I did love our daughter so completely. All irritation left my thought, and the next day the symptoms of poison ivy were either dried up or entirely gone. Full healing took place in two days.
We read in Science and Health, "The substance, Life, intelligence, Truth, and Love, which constitute Deity, are reflected by His creation; and when we subordinate the false testimony of the corporeal senses to the facts of Science, we shall see this true likeness and reflection everywhere."
My appreciation for our Christian Science practitioners, who so lovingly give of themselves for the good of mankind, is unlimited. And for all of the articles and testimonies in the Christian Science Sentinel and The Christian Science Journal which have inspired me and given me thoughts to hold on to, my gratitude overflows. I am also very happy and proud to be a member of The Mother Church and a branch church.
The love that Christ Jesus taught is becoming dearer to me all the time. I am so very thankful for our Way-shower, who proved the unchanging laws of God to be intact, and who showed that all of us can demonstrate these laws of health, goodness, and immortality if we understand, trust, and obey God. I know I can express my gratitude wholeheartedly by applying step by step the spiritual truths that are revealed to me. Truly, I have found the way!
Nancy Coleman
Sunrise Beach, Missouri
