In April 2011, I found myself ill with a stomach problem. I was not able to eat much at all over a period of a few weeks, and lost weight rapidly. The condition became aggravated so that I had trouble getting out of bed and was weak.

The Christian Science practitioner who was praying with me gave me passages to read from
pages 2 and 3 of Mary Baker Eddy’s “Dedicatory Sermon” in Pulpit and Press. I read them over and over again, memorizing some of the passages and keeping the book beside my bed at night so that I could look at it frequently. From these readings, I began to understand that my being was spiritual, not a “human fabrication,” but a “godly temple,” safe and undisturbed. Also, I came to see that I was a dweller “in Truth and Love, man’s eternal mansion.” 

On a day when the practitioner and I were talking over the phone, and I was sounding particularly lethargic, he jolted my thought with a question, “What would Mrs. Eddy do?” I realized then that I had been giving in to defeating thoughts, and not fully taking a stand for health. 

About this time, my husband was scheduled to travel with his daughter and help with her children for about five days. At first, I was afraid to let him go, as I was rather discouraged, and he also hesitated to leave me since I would be alone in the house. However, his sister offered to come over and stay with me, and we both felt better, knowing that if I needed help, she would be there. 

On the first morning of her arrival, I was greatly relieved to see my sister-in-law, as I did feel alone, and it was comforting to have her in the house. I cried a bit as I thanked her for taking the time to stay with me. As she said, I was “family” and “that was that.” 

She took time that day to go to a local deli and pick up a nice dinner for both of us, and I felt such love. While I had not been able to eat much before this time, the food tasted good, and I felt better. She said that she had a doctor’s appointment in the morning and needed to spend the night at home, but would return with lunch for me the next day. I agreed, since I was feeling better and that plan sounded just fine. During this time, I continued to work with the practitioner and to spend quiet moments learning about how God cared for me. 

The next day when my sister-in-law came back with a very tasty sandwich, I found it to be delicious. Immediately, I began to perk up and encouraged her to spend the night at her own home, which I thought might be more comfortable for her. After she left, an amazing thing happened. 

All of a sudden, I had a burst of energy, as if I’d had no problem at all. I began dusting the house and picking things up. In general, I felt renewed. The unreality of the physical condition was apparent, and it was as if I’d broken through to the true nature of my spiritual being in a very natural way. I called the Christian Science practitioner to tell him that this was the most incredible reversal, and he was grateful to hear it. I remained energized for a few hours. That night, I slept well. 

The next morning was Wednesday, and I told my sister-in-law I was going to a testimony meeting at church that night. Although I was a little shaky, at that point it felt as if my full strength was gradually returning. I arrived at church and was particularly inspired by the message and the love of my fellow members, who could tell that something was not quite right. 

The following day, I went to work in the Christian Science Reading Room and was sustained by God through my entire shift. My strength continued to increase. When my husband came home on Friday, he was happy to see my progress. That weekend, I could eat normally again. On Sunday, I returned to regular church services, a dress size smaller, but feeling much humility and gratitude. My weight also stabilized. 

Even though the complete healing took a while, the most significant thing to me was that quick reversal of a lack of energy to feeling energized as I moved around the house. I had glimpsed the truth in those moments, and there was no turning back.  

Sarah O’Brien
Corpus Christi, Texas, US