In 2002, I began to experience what appeared to be a chronic internal difficulty. I had flu-like symptoms on a regular basis, and sometimes found it difficult to even get out of bed.

At first, dire predictions ran through my mind. However, I'd had many experiences of healing through applying the truths of Christian Science, and so I again turned wholeheartedly to God. I studied and prayed extensively with the idea of God as Life—my Life—and to see my way out of the material belief that I could ever be less than "upright, pure, and free" (Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 171). Even though the condition did not immediately subside, I continued to pray.

At around this same time, I'd also been praying about a very challenging time in my marriage. There was a lot of friction, and my husband and I argued frequently. I felt I needed help, so I called a Christian Science practitioner and began to pour my heart out to her.

When I started in on a long list of what I felt my husband was doing wrong, she stopped me by saying we shouldn't be focused on what he was doing, but on my own thoughts and actions. She also pointed out that my own desire for healing was very important as we prayed. I realized at that moment that I was definitely committed to healing, rather than dissolving, the marriage.

There were several years of ups and downs ahead—both physically and in my relationship with my husband. Occasionally I spoke with the practitioner, and I studied the entire chapter titled "Marriage" in Science and Health. One statement in particular that provided ongoing inspiration was "The scientific morale of marriage is spiritual unity" (p. 61).

My husband was praying and studying, too. Together, we began to address the issues that had so challenged out happiness.

During this period, the physical symptoms appeared off and on. At one point, they began to intensify, sometimes making my normal bodily functions difficult and uncomfortable. I found myself wondering if I was going to live. My ongoing prayers and my devotion to my children and their needs helped me face down those thoughts. One assurance I'd gained during my parenting years was that God sustains us always and through every trial. I also recognized that my affection for my children came from Love, God, the same power that dissolves fear. I found much comfort, relief, and spiritual light in a hymn that opens with these words:

About three years had elapsed, but by this time, there had been enough progress through prayer that I truly had no doubt that healing would take place, both with the physical condition and with my marriage.

Then one afternoon, after a conversation with my mother, a significant turning point occurred in my thinking. I realized that in addition to the areas I'd been praying about, I needed to challenge the general perception that harmony and longevity are rare in the institution of marriage. I began to wholeheartedly thank God, Love, for my life partner, for the ways that love was expressed in our relationship, for the increasing sense of peace in our home. I realized that I needed to focus on my own spiritual progress—and not be so caught up in what I felt my husband should be doing. Praying in this way, I saw undesirable character traits in myself begin to fall away. I was not so quick to get angry, or to be resentful. I became more tolerant and loving of people with differing views. I also became more patient toward my husband.

In June of 2006, I again experienced aggressive internal symptoms, but this time I wasn't afraid. It came to me to look up the word chemicalization in Science and Health, where Mary Baker Eddy explained, "By chemicalization I mean the process which mortal mind and body undergo in the change of belief from a material to a spiritual basis" (pp. 168–169). I was confident that Love was uncovering and correcting the error in my thought and actions. And just as I was being freed from the emotional discord that grew out of that error, I knew I would be also freed from the physical inharmony.

One morning, in the wee hours, a large growth passed painlessly from my body. Along with this I noticed every last bit of resentment and anger in my thought had dissolved. I then realized it was the Fourth of July, and I rejoiced in knowing what true freedom meant.

I never experienced those physical symptoms again, and since our dedicated prayers for our marriage, my husband and I have never been happier. We recently celebrated our 34th anniversary.

DEBBY BARRON
BOLIVAR, OHIO, US

It's a joy to confirm my wife's testimony. Debby's love and dedication to God, that resulted in her beautiful physical healing and contributed significantly to the healing of our marriage, inspired me to become a serious student of Christian Science.

STEVE BARRON