Testimony of Healing August 22, 1994 Issue

I was raised in what is currently termed a dysfunctional...

Laura K. Robinson-Long

I was raised in what is currently termed a dysfunctional family. Enduring a wide range of psychological and physical abuse, I grew up wondering how I could have landed in such a disheartening home. Many years later, through the study and practice of Christian Science, I learned to my great relief and joy that mortal history can never touch the pure and good substance of man's spiritual identity. My true heritage as a child of God has always been mine to claim as the only reality.

During childhood, to escape the pain of abuse, I would seek refuge in solitude and talk to God. Since alcoholism and child abuse were regarded as private family secrets, especially at that time, my tears of agony were often reserved for God alone. In such a discouraging home atmosphere, my self-esteem was very low, despite ceaseless attempts to be humanly perfect in order to earn the love I so desperately longed for.

Throughout my teen and early adult years I examined and participated in many religions. Yet inner peace eluded me. And I never found the God of my childhood in these approaches—the one I could always count on as never angry or punitive. Where was the God who loved me unconditionally?

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