I was introduced to Christian Science in 2007. Since then, I have experienced many healings through prayer, which inspired me to become a member of my local Christian Science Society.

I was raised in a Hindu family. At the age of 21, I was surprised when my friend gave me a copy of the book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy as a gift. She told me that the spiritual truths given in this book can heal us of all kinds of problems. She also invited me to attend Christian Science church services on Sunday, and testimony meetings on Wednesday. On my very first visit, I was moved with the love and warmth of the people there. At that time, I had no interest in my school studies, and I felt a lack of concentration. This stressed my parents out, and they were very concerned for me.

Along with that, I did not have very good health. For two years, I had suffered from indigestion at times, but last year it became persistent. Whenever I ate something from the local market, I experienced bowel trouble soon after, along with vomiting and stomach pain. From my study of Christian Science, I knew that I needed to conquer my fear of becoming ill after eating, but I didn't know how to overcome that fear. So I talked to a Christian Science practitioner I'd met, and requested that she pray for me.

The practitioner told me that all of God's children are the perfect reflection of Him and therefore are fearless. As our reflection in the mirror shows our each and every expression, we also show forth God's each and every quality. I was learning that we are not made up of material flesh, or blood and bones. We are entirely spiritual—governed by divine Spirit, which is a synonym for God. And since all power belongs to God, material things like food have no power over us. Rather, food is for our practical use and enjoyment. We don't have to let thoughts of fear, irritation, and insecurity govern us; rather, we reflect fearlessness, and are therefore stable and secure in God.

I studied these lines in Science and Health: "Mind regulates the condition of the stomach, bowels, and food, the temperature of children and of men, and matter does not" (p. 413).

As the practitioner prayed for me, I continually pondered several ideas from Science and Health. I read a few pages that referred to a man finding freedom from "dyspepsia," or stomach ailments, in which "he learned that suffering and disease were the self-imposed beliefs of mortals, and not the facts of being; that God never decreed disease,—never ordained a law that fasting should be a means of health" (p. 221).

Whenever I felt any kind of digestive problem coming on, I easily recalled these spiritual truths, and my fear gradually lessened. I found then that the symptoms would lessen, too. I started feeling—and really knowing—that these symptoms didn't belong to me.

After two months, my digestive problems, which had troubled me for two years, were completely healed. Since early 2008, I've not been bothered again by these difficulties. Now I'm free to eat from the market without any kind of fear because I know that food has no power of its own. Rather, all power belongs to my Father-Mother God.

And, as far as my school studies, my concentration greatly improved. Reading the Christian Science Bible Lesson and the Christian Science magazines has helped me know that divine Mind is the true source of intelligence and focus.

I am so grateful to my friend who first shared Christian Science with me. She helped open a window that has enabled me to see a whole new world.

PUNEET SHARMA
CHANDIGARH, INDIA