Article September 10, 2012 Issue

Daughter healed of drug use

Victoria Butler

When I became a student of Christian Science, I was so glad to know about God’s constant guidance in everyone’s life. A few months after being introduced to Science I took Christian Science class instruction—a short but powerful course on how to pray effectively. The Monday after completing the class, I resigned my position as a private practice psychologist working in the movie industry, as well as my position as CEO of a large nonprofit drug abuse program. I immediately went into the Christian Science practice because I was already receiving calls to help others through prayer.

In Christian Science class instruction I learned the importance of praying for the world, and not just for myself, my family, and the patients who called me. Sometime during those early weeks after class, I heard that there was going to be a television special on cocaine addiction. I didn’t think much about it. A few days later there was to be another program on drug addiction. Again, I ignored it. A few days later—yes, another program on drug addiction. This time I “woke up.” These back-to-back advertisements alerted me to pray for the world concerning these issues. I did not watch any of those programs, being very familiar with the subject from my past work experiences, but I spent the next few days praying for the world, specifically regarding drug abuse.

I turned to the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy for inspiration. This book is not just any book. Mrs. Eddy was directed by a higher power, God, divine Love, on what to put in its pages. The ideas in Science and Health are one way that God communicates to us. I have found out through healing experiences that this is true. This citation from page 356 made it clear to me that God wouldn’t create a desire for destructive drugs, “Does divine Love commit a fraud on humanity by making man inclined to sin, and then punishing him for it?” I also affirmed man’s innocence and freedom from false attractions.