I had a trying yet joyous experience that brought me closer to God—the birth of our daughter.

Before I became a Christian Scientist I had two Caesarean sections. The second time, twins were born prematurely and survived only a few hours. When I became pregnant a third time, it seemed every rule was against my having the child naturally. Yet the Bible says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart" (Proverbs). I had become a serious student of Christian Science and was confident that through prayer the childbirth could take place naturally. I trusted God wholly and spent much time in prayer and study.

I had many challenges, including finding someone to deliver the baby. I knew that God is our true deliverer and that my desire for a natural home birth would be supplied. I lived in a country where home births were uncommon and it was hard to find a doctor or midwife who would make a home delivery. But I kept turning to God in prayer and knew the answer would come.

During this time I also had several responsibilities that required a lot of my attention. I was attending college classes ninety miles away, and we had just taken in my stepson. I also became a local leader in a youth organization, which was a new experience for me.

Gradually I gained a higher view of my real selfhood, which is spiritual and eternal. And I felt God's love for me and the baby. I also kept in mind the following passage from The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany by Mrs. Eddy: "Beloved Christian Scientists, keep your minds so filled with Truth and Love, that sin, disease, and death cannot enter them. It is plain that nothing can be added to the mind already full. There is no door through which evil can enter, and no space for evil to fill in a mind filled with goodness. Good thoughts are an impervious armor; clad therewith you are completely shielded from the attacks of error of every sort. And not only yourselves are safe, but all whom your thoughts rest upon are thereby benefited."

As time went on and I still had not found anyone to deliver the baby, I began to fear. Then one day I felt ill and had stomach pain. I called a Christian Science practitioner for help through prayer. Within a short time my mother-in-law came over to care for me. At the same time my husband came in from work with a vase of flowers for me. He ran home especially to give them to me and had to return to work. At that moment they both looked so radiant and loving that the whole room lighted up with joy and love. I can't describe how filled with warmth I felt inside and how conscious of God's ever-present love. Within minutes I was completely well.

That experience of brotherly love helped me understand better this statement in Science and Health: "If Spirit or the power of divine Love bear witness to the truth, this is the ultimatum, the scientific way, and the healing is instantaneous."

Shortly after this I learned of a doctor 120 miles away, who agreed to work with us in the way we desired, provided he could do what he felt was necessary if the birth did not proceed normally. The birth was natural and beautiful. My husband was a wonderful support, and everyone in the room felt God's presence and love. Two years later I had another daughter normally and came home safely within three hours.

Through these experiences I came to feel so much closer to God. No matter what situation you may be in, the most important thing is to trust in God with all your heart and know all things are possible with Him. By loving and trusting God, obeying and following Him, we will assimilate the spiritual ideas we need to overcome all challenges.

Rita J. Cox
Tarpley, Texas