The Touch of Class November 5, 2012 Issue

In this series, individuals share how taking Christian Science Primary class instruction has strengthened their spiritual understanding, and brought increasing inspiration and healing to their lives.

Celestial feast

Susan S. Collins—New York, New York

Courtesy photo

Finding Christian Science was the most momentous and crucial experience of my life. I knew I’d found the most profound and practical gift possible. Many serious needs were met, including the breaking of a 12-year smoking habit and medication addiction. An eating disorder and panic attacks were healed also, and I was even accepted to a fine graduate school in spite of not so sterling undergrad grades. These victories made me want to learn more, and I felt Primary class instruction had to be a most important next step.

As I prayed about this prospect, I began to understand more about what it meant to listen for God’s direction, His leading. I began checking articles in The Christian Science Journal and Sentinel that I’d found instructive to see if their authors were Christian Science teachers. And when I attended a Christian Science lecture, I’d check to see if the lecturer was a teacher.

But what ultimately determined the issue of class for me was something that tugged at the heart: the passing of a dear pupil whom I’d worked with in school. As I sat next to her in the hospital, I found I was not sure exactly what to say or how to pray. It was distressing—I wanted to be helpful, to have a clear spiritual understanding and to be able to comfort her. When I called the hospital the next day and found that she’d passed on, I thought: “That’s it! I must have class.” 

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