CHURCH LIVES November 29, 2004 Issue

'Without this, you have nothing'

By Jasmine Alexandra——Melbourne, Australia

I found church when I was studying music at The Juilliard School and working as a live-in nanny on the Upper Eastside in New York City. One day, after I had recently broken up with a boyfriend and was particularly down and out, I found myself strolling down Madison Avenue. I noticed a Christian Science Reading Room and went in.

While I was growing up in Australia, my parents had taken me to a Christian Science Sunday School intermittently, but I had never practiced Christian Science. That past connection, however, made me feel comfortable entering the Reading Room. The attendant was unbelievably caring. That kind of love was just what I was looking for. He showed me where Churches of Christ, Scientist, and their services are listed in The Christian Science Journal. In retrospect, he reminded me of my dear dad, who was living in Australia, and whom I missed terribly.

Because the Reading Room was open that day, my life was changed. In a few days, I was heading off to a church service. As I rounded the corner to approach the church, I thought twice about it and turned to go back home. I was in a very bad state of mind, feeling despondent about everything. But right then I heard a voice inside me saying, "Without this, you have nothing." The voice was so strong. It was definite and it was firm. It was just what I needed. I turned around and went to that service. Now I see that it was God's love sending me in the right direction.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

SENTINEL WATCH

Standing tall with the President