I am so grateful to have been raised in a home where Christian Science...

Carolyn Oney Rook

I am so grateful to have been raised in a home where Christian Science was loved and lived. Although I happily attended the Christian Science Sunday School while growing up, I did not begin the serious study of this Science until I was married and had children. For the most part, it was my children's needs that prompted me to turn increasingly to God as the Father and Mother of all.

Although there have been many trials to overcome, I have always found turning to God to be the safest and most effective way to heal my children and myself. In praying for my children, I have laid aside much fear for their safety and success as I have learned to trust God more with our little ones (and our big kids!).

A healing that my son had helped me learn to trust God more. One day when Brian was three years old, I noticed a small sore on his face. I didn't really think anything of it until it began to spread. Before long his body was covered with this condition. Although I prayed the best I knew how for him, the situation did not improve. I was fearful and greatly discouraged. Then I found out that a neighbor's child had a similar disease, and I was told that their doctor had prescribed a medication to clear it up. That seemed like such a simple solution, but I had learned, very early on, that God heals thoroughly and permanently. More than anything else I wanted God to heal my child. That night after the children were in bed, I opened a copy of the Sentinel. The article I read spoke of Jesus raising Lazarus from the grave and brought out that Christ Jesus gave thanks to God before he restored Lazarus.

All evidence of the skin disease was completely gone in a day or so, never to return.

I realized that I had been so busy trying to heal a sick little boy that I had completely forgotten that God had never made a diseased child. I immediately saw that God's child, made in His own image and likeness, is pure, innocent, and flawless. With this recognition came a deep feeling of gratitude and peace. All my fear and anxiety dropped away, and I fell asleep.

The next morning Brian came into my room and stood beside my bed. In the early light I could see that his little face had already begun to clear. I was filled with humility and awe for God's goodness and love. All evidence of the disease was completely gone in a day or so, never to return. Science and Health tells us, "A spiritual idea has not a single element of error, and this truth removes properly whatever is offensive" (p. 463).

In thinking about the spiritual progress that has resulted from praying for my children, I often remember Mrs. Eddy's words "... spiritual Love will force you to accept what best promotes your growth" (ibid., p. 266). I can never be grateful enough for the lessons learned. I can now look back and see how God, divine Love, has gently and tenderly moved me forward in my study and practice of Christian Science. God is unchanging Love, always providing needed answers at just the right time and in just the right way. I will always be thankful for what I'm learning about His care for us.

Carolyn Oney Rook
Longview, Texas

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit