WHEN I WAS A SOPHOMORE IN COLLEGE, my mother became listed as a practitioner in The Christian Science Journal. Away at school, I was really happy she'd taken this step. There never seemed to be a time when my mother wasn't helping someone through prayer. The telephone rang frequently, and there were many interruptions, especially at dinnertime. Afterward, Mother would return to the kitchen, and whip up a delicious strawberry shortcake or some other special dessert. Dad was a good sport. We all were.

Growing up, my sister and I were expected to read the Christian Science Bible Lesson. We never missed Sunday School. We rarely missed school because of illness, and in fact, had some dramatic healings. During the polio epidemic in the 1950s, I was healed of paralysis through Christian Science treatment. The school medical nurse lived next door, and observed this relatively quick, complete cure. There were other healings: of sports injuries, eczema, third-degree burns, chicken pox, food poisoning, whooping cough. We also seemed to have a built-in freedom from fear. We were taught that God, divine Love, is our Father-Mother. So we felt loved, safe, and secure as His children.

After attending graduate school, I pursued a career on Madison Avenue in advertising and marketing. Travel was extensive both for business and pleasure. My income was considerable. A vacation home fulfilled an architectural dream of mine. A few years later, I moved across the country to produce television shows in California. A renewed interest in my marketing career involved product development for some major brands. Life was good.

Yet, despite all the material success, things seemed to be spiraling downward. I felt a deep emptiness coupled with a lack of fulfillment. This also seemed to be the case with clients and business associates. Some had medical conditions. Others struggled with unstable employment, personal and relationship issues. Though Christian Science wasn't really a part of my own life at that time, I would find myself saying, "You know, you might find help with what you're going through in the book Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy!"

At one point, I had what appeared to be symptoms of hepatitis. After a week back home, where I'd sought my mother's prayerful help, I returned to my apartment in New York completely well. Grateful for the healing, I made a halfhearted promise to commit to prayer and study. The promise was quickly broken.

One night, however, returning to my apartment in the wee hours, disgusted with the endless socializing and my consumption of alcohol, I actually blew dust off some copies of the Bible and Science and Health I'd kept in a drawer. Though in somewhat of a mental daze, I recalled how Mrs. Eddy was accustomed to opening her Bible at random for inspiration. So I opened my Bible. This promise jumped out: "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established" (Prov. 16:3). As I read that statement, I was surprised to find the effects of the alcohol instantly disappeared. In fact, that was the last time I drank alcohol. This experience marked the beginning of my reconnection with God, and along with it the renewal of my spiritual growth. There were other issues that needed to be dealt with, but these, too, began to fall away.

Recommitted to Christian Science, I spent hours in a local Christian Science Reading Room, studying and praying. I joined a branch church, and took Primary class instruction. I felt on fire!

I wanted the whole world to know God as taught in the Bible and Science and Health. I wanted everyone to have the hope, expectation, and answers that are practical, whatever their need. To know with certainty that there is always a spiritual solution based on divine law. To really feel the presence of divine Love.

I served as a Christian Science chaplain in the women's jails in Los Angeles. The interaction during one-on-one visits with inmates of various religious backgrounds, or none, allowed me to fine-tune my spiritual understanding and see the results of Christian Science treatment. With a deep desire to respond to others in need, I found that members of my church began asking for prayerful help. I was beginning a healing ministry. And it was focused on the public.

One day it was as if an actual voice said, "What are you waiting for?" I sent in my application and was accepted for Directory listing in the Journal.

It's hard to imagine anything as exciting as the healing ministry. If I had it to do all over again, there isn't anything else I'd rather be doing. css