Testimony of Healing August 7, 2006 Issue

JOY AND FREEDOM GAINED

HELGA JANESCH

I've regularly attended Wednesday testimony meetings since I was 13. At first it was just the harmonious, friendly atmosphere and the testimonies other people gave that attracted me. Later it was also the desire to share with others my own healings through Christian Science.

But for some time, when I wanted to stand up in church and share an experience, I found myself paralyzed with fear, as if I were glued to my seat. Then one Wednesday I heard in the readings the Apostle Paul's words from the Bible: "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" (II Cor. 5:8). I realized that I had to change my way of thinking. Instead of focusing on myself, I had to put my desire to thank and glorify God first. I told myself that it didn't matter if my heart beat like crazy, or if I was trembling with fear. All I needed to do was to be mentally present with God, with Love, Life, and Truth. With that, I got up, and I was suddenly able to speak freely.

A complete healing of fear of public speaking came gradually. Again and again I went back to asking myself what my motives were for sharing publicly. Did I want to impress others, or bless them and express my gratitude to God? As I would turn my thought to God, I would once again find the ability to speak freely.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Testimony of Healing

SUDDENLY FREE FROM PAIN