Severe pain conquered

By Audrey H. Walter

My husband and I were touring the mountains in the western United States when early one morning in the hotel we were awakened by a thunderstorm rumbling outside. Not only had we left our umbrellas in the car, but the prospect of having to travel in a rainstorm seemed dismal.

But then we opened the curtains in our room. A magnificent predawn view of the nearby city appeared. Southward, streaks of lightning flashed, and the huge balls of light behind the black clouds looked dramatic. Then a rim of apricot showed above the far-off mountains' horizon. Very quickly the clouds turned white and the sky became blue. It was a glorious day.

Finding this new view by opening the curtain to a beautiful dawn reminded me how instantly divine Truth can replace discouragement. As quickly as the sun illuminated the majestic mountains, so can inspired thought break through the darkness of sinful thinking or of sickness. Science and Health explains that mountains represent a mental state: "Spiritually interpreted, rocks and mountains stand for solid and grand ideas" (p. 511). When we change thought from a material to a spiritual focus, we gain these solid and grand ideas that inspire spiritual living.

In Psalms we read: "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth" (121:1, 2). Lifting up our eyes to spiritual reality shows us the peak—and we then must follow with the feet! Spiritual attainment entails a mental climb. It requires us to accept, understand, and be, to some degree, what we actually are—the image of God.

I had to prove this while in those mountains far from home. I was stricken with pain so severe that during the attack a thought of death passed through my mind. These attacks continued for two weeks. This physical discomfort required me to look to more than the body to find a solution. It required me to affirm constantly that pain is the opposite of joy, whereas Soul, God, is joyous. Man reflects the presence and identity of Soul, and therefore we are not helplessly subject to fear.

It took much effort to know that I was neither a victim of circumstances nor a helpless stranger far from home, but that I was at home in Spirit, always safe in God's mercy. I recalled the day that I had looked at the sunrise and realized that its appearing had actually dissipated the storm clouds. I had felt a sense of exultation, joy, and triumph. I now expected that the dawn of Truth would dissipate the pain and reveal that God's changeless being is mine by reflection.

After we arrived home, I regained dominion over my thoughts and body.

As we continued our travels, the mountains' towering heights and individual forms were a constant source of inspiration. I thought of mountains as representing the substantiality of being, typifying the immovable strength and power of Truth. I felt their unshakableness. These ideas helped sustain me during the remaining journey.

After we arrived home, I regained dominion over my thoughts and body. My strength was restored. Then one beautiful day I again had the desire to go out and play golf. What a joy to move so freely, to be able to swing the golf club with no pain or resistance from my body. My release was complete. The spiritual message of Science and Health, unfolding through my daily study of the book, had conferred this practical, healing power.

The mountain peak is reached through step-by-step progress. We can all take that first step right now.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

If you feel unappreciated

September 14, 1998

Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit