'THE HIGHEST POSITION ATTAINABLE'

By Paul Grimes

The ways that people start into the public practice of Christian Science healing are as varied and individual as the people themselves. Here Paul Grimes, of Tucson, Arizona, shares some of the heartfelt motives that led him to become a Christian Science practitioner. He also discusses some of the practical matters that people often confront and grapple with as they begin a healing ministry. This is the first in a new feature the Sentinel plans to publish on a biweekly basis titled, "Anyone can be a healer." In upcoming issues we hope to illustrate for readers, through the life experiences of different individuals, how they can cherish and nurture what should be the most natural and fulfilling work on earth—the work of a spiritual healer.

MARY BAKER EDDY in a letter to James Neal, one of her students in Christian Science instruction, said, "A real scientific Healer is the highest position attainable in this sphere of being."^{L03524, Mary Baker Eddy to James Neal, January 29, 1897, The Mary Baker Eddy Collection, The Mary Baker Eddy Library for the Betterment of Humanity .} Ever since I became aware of that statement, I have pondered it. And I've found that she saw the demand for those who wish to be in the public practice of Christian Science to be dedicated, discerning, inspired, unflappable, humble, persistent, unwavering in the spiritual conviction that there is only one Creator and one creation. This truth is based on the first chapter of Genesis. Further in that same letter she wrote, "To achieve this you must have one God, one affection, one way, one Mind."

The more I have worked with this letter, the more I have realized that if I am to attain this "highest position," I must be of service to all who seek me in this calling. I must rejoice in every healing and be supportive in each challenge.