Church Alive April 16, 2012 Issue

The following was written in support of Church Alive, a focus of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, that explores the meaning and possibilities of awakening to the spiritual basis and impact of Church.

Love's language

Maureen M. Loster

She didn’t speak English. I didn’t speak Spanish (well, I can count to ten). It was a Wednesday afternoon, and I was the attendant in the Christian Science Reading Room. My prayer that day was to see clearly God’s man, welcome people into our Reading Room, expect them to come in, and know that the Christ communicates to each seeker in a way that God’s love is clearly understood.

That prayer was in my heart and a young woman walked in the open door. She looked around for a bit, and then I greeted her with a welcoming smile and commented about the picture-perfect day outside. She replied in a flood of Spanish words and asked if I spoke Spanish. I was able to understand that she was very unhappy, afraid, and looking for help. About this point in our “conversation,” she was in tears. I offered her a tissue, a cup of water, a comfortable chair, and even a piece of hard candy. Then, in the most clear and tender voice, God said to me, “That’s not what she came for.” And I said to Him, “But you know I don’t speak Spanish.” And then another clear idea came to me: “Love communicates in the universal language of Love!”

At this point, I actually got down on my knees, next to this woman’s chair, and prayed aloud with her about God and about her. I prayed about God’s forever presence and goodness and lovingkindness, and the truth that she was the very daughter of God, made in God’s image and likeness—whole, upright, pure, and free. I prayed until I felt God’s presence, and the tears had stopped, and we both were calm.