Over a period of a few days I began having pain in one tooth. I called a friend of mine who is also a Christian Scientist, described the difficulty, and asked her to pray for me.

We discussed a feeling of resentment I had been unable to resolve, regarding the way one family member was treating another. I thought this might have some bearing, at least in part, on the difficulty I was having. My friend suggested a number of references for study: articles in Mary Baker Eddy's books, such as "Taking Offense" (Miscellaneous Writings, pp. 223–224) and "Ways that are Vain" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, pp. 210–213), as well as articles from the Christian Science magazines.

My friend talked about the supremacy and allness of good. She pointed out that in the chapter from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures entitled "Atonement and Eucharist," Mrs. Eddy wrote of how, during his crucifixion, Jesus had to heal the hatred of what he stood for, more than the pain of the nails. I hung up the telephone looking forward to some study of Christian Science, and to the spiritual enlightenment I knew from past experience would accompany it.

I read in "Taking Offense" that "to punish ourselves for others' faults, is superlative folly.... Well may we feel wounded by our own faults; but we can hardly afford to be miserable for the faults of others" (pp. 223–224). I realized I was spending far too much time focusing on the faults I saw in another individual, and on the effects I perceived those faults were having on our family, myself included.

The following day I noticed some physical improvement, and continued my study. Then the next day I had a great deal of pain and it was hard to open my mouth. My husband, who is a physician, wanted to examine my mouth. In the past he had never asked that, because he understood I was healing in Christian Science whatever problem I had. I agreed out of respect for his concern. He looked, but didn't discuss his conclusions, knowing that my choice was to rely on prayer.

I found it increasingly difficult to put down my fear, and called my friend again. She quickly agreed to pray some more, and I began to read from the things she suggested. I underlined and reread passages that had particular importance for me, thinking of ways in which their spiritual truths could be helpful in this situation. "Happiness consists in being and in doing good; only what God gives, and what we give ourselves and others through His tenure, confers happiness: conscious worth satisfies the hungry heart, and nothing else can.... The Christian Scientist cherishes no resentment; he knows that that would harm him more than all the malice of his foes" (Message to The Mother Church for 1902, also by Mrs. Eddy, pp. 17, 19).

After an hour or so, I was aware that the pain, redness, and swelling that had been so evident earlier were completely gone. And although the hour was late, I was filled with renewed energy.

The next morning my husband asked me how I was doing, and I told him that I was healed. He kidded me, and asked to see. I allowed him to look, which he did at some length. Then he enthusiastically said several times, "This is a bona fide, medically documented Christian Science healing!"

My son, who was learning about Christian Science, was listening closely to my husband. For his benefit, I asked my husband to explain the difference in the appearance he had just witnessed and the changes in appearance. My son was quite impressed. His reaction was that I should send a description of this healing to the Sentinel.

I thank God for this healing, which our family shared in a very special way. I also thank my friend, whose prayers have helped to bring about healing and spiritual growth on numerous occasions. I am also grateful, in the time since this healing occurred, to have seen improvement in the relationship of the two family members for whom I had concern.

Pamela Fairbanks
Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan

My medical specialty is diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the head and neck. I examined my wife when she was experiencing pain in her mouth. She had all the signs and symptoms of a significant infection, including a discharge from the gum near the infected tooth.

The following day she had no signs of infection. Had she had a spontaneous resolution in the absence of any medical treatment whatsoever, I would have expected the process to have been gradual, involving pronounced, then slowly diminishing, evidence of abscess. It was evident that this was not the case, as the area was completely normal.

Pamela's healing was an important event for me as well. I read the Bible Lessons with my wife regularly. Many of the statements in the Lessons, particularly with regard to ubiquitous and powerful Love, have influenced me, contributing to my spiritual growth and improving my relationships with family members and patients.

Richard D. Nichols, M.D.