YOUR LETTERS

"One of my earliest healings in Christian Science was the realization that God loves all His children—male and female—equally."

with contributions from Mary Louise M. Boelhauf, Lucie Lehmann-Barclay

Raising good children

When I grew up, boys were thought wonderful and girls considered less desirable. One of my earliest healings in Christian Science was the realization that God loves all His children—male and female—equally and that even though I was not the boy my parents wished for, God would never limit my experience and never saw me in terms of gender.

I can understand the need to have articles such as the July 20 cover story, "How to raise good boys," but would you consider giving equal time to raising both boys and girls in the Sentinel?

Mary Louise M. Boelhauf
Tempe, AZ

Praying for youth

I just got my July 27 issue of the Sentinel, requesting letters dealing with juvenile violence.

Last summer, I started swimming regularly at a pool up in Harlem where I am one of few whites among the black and Hispanic population. At first I woundered if I might not be wanted. I have, however, only been made welcome.

Stepping off the bus one morning, I found myself between two teenage black boys, talking obscenely and acting as if they were in a movie about the worst ghetto. "Oops, sorry, lady," one apologized, "but we walk different walks, you know."

I smiled and determined not to be offended—and headed across the street. Then I heard him yell, "Hey, lady! Watch out for that truck!" A big truck barreled through the intersection, against the red light. But for the young man, I would have been right in front of it. He smiled and nodded at me, and I saw the two of them as the good young men they really are.

What happened? First of all, I had prayed before going to the pool to see God's man. The result was a protection to me and a revelation about these young men. I learned we need to examine our thoughts, behavior, and even lifestyles prayerfully, so that we project nothing that would tempt ourselves or others to turn to violence.

Lucie Lehmann-Barclay
New York City, New York

The Sentinel invites your comments. Please include your name, address, and daytime telephone number. Latters may be edited for length and clarity. The opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of the Christian Science Sentinel.

REGULAR MAIL: Sentinel Letters
One Norway Street, C–42
Boston, MA 02115–3122 U.S.A.
E-MAIL: Sentinel@csps.com

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

items of interest

August 24, 1998

Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit