'It was a natural step'
All of us share the desire to make sense of this world. Everyone wants to find a sense of purpose, activity, place, and an authority that we can reliably turn to for answers. For me, Christian Science is the complete answer because it brings a clear understanding of God’s ever-present goodness and my inseparable relationship with Him—an understanding that’s available to everyone. It is the means for facing every kind of circumstance with the trust and conviction of God’s ability to orchestrate the right solution to meet the individual human need.
When I was younger, I made the decision to change my wayward life around and rely on Christian Science for direction. Peer pressure, the allure of recreational drugs and alcohol, and willfulness had culminated in a hellish experience, and I was desperate for redemption and stability (see testimony, Sentinel, September 18, 1971). Just days later, I made an appointment to visit a Christian Science practitioner in his office. After sharing with him how I had managed to mess up my life, I concluded in a remorseful tone: “I’ve only been a serious student of Christian Science for the past 20 days. I have so much to learn.” He immediately responded with encouragement: “Well, think about how much you will have learned in 20 years.” Pondering his words, I believe he was really echoing Mary Baker Eddy’s statement: “Life is eternal. We should find this out, and begin the demonstration thereof” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 246 ).
I faced many more challenges after that day, but the sincere application of what I understood to be Christian Science was always the key to right outcomes. Service in the US Army, marriage, family, membership in The Mother Church and a branch church, work-related challenges, and health issues have all ultimately served as opportunities to prove God’s love for me—and all have resulted in much-needed spiritual growth and healing. Paramount to my spiritual growth was taking Primary class instruction in Christian Science. I felt led to apply to, and was accepted by, the same kind man mentioned earlier, who was also a Christian Science teacher.
My professional career included serving my community as an elementary school teacher and later as a principal. God held my hand every step of the journey. Often I would savor a few moments during the work day to thank our Father-Mother God for His-Her comforting and reassuring presence. It was during these holy moments of “checking in with God” that a quiet voice would whisper, “Wouldn’t you welcome the opportunity to pray more and to give more time to the study of Christian Science?” The calm response was always, “Yes, I would.” After all, Christian Science had blessed me beyond expectations and naturally nurtured the desire to help others. To me, this is fulfillment of Jesus’ words, “Freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8 ).
After consecrated prayer regarding the decision to enter the public practice of Christian Science, and with loving support from my wife (who has been a practitioner for many years), I decided to retire from the field of education two years earlier than I had planned. I then let people know that I was available to give Christian Science treatment. Calls began to come, and the opportunity to pray about community and world issues offered wonderful practice opportunities.
One of the criteria of The Mother Church’s application process for advertising as a practitioner in The Christian Science Journal encourages applicants to work with a mentor—an experienced Christian Science practitioner. My Christian Science teacher had passed on by that time, so this provision proved very supportive to me. Again, prayer revealed the right individual to help me in that capacity.
My listing in the Journal first appeared in December 2009. It was a natural step in my growing love for and understanding of God and the practice of the metaphysical principles of Christian Science to heal humanity. I’m reminded of my purpose for being a practitioner in this sentence by Mary Baker Eddy: “Beloved children, the world has need of you,—and more as children than as men and women: it needs your innocence, unselfishness, faithful affection, uncontaminated lives” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 110 ).
It is a holy privilege and sweet joy to be available to offer spiritual treatment to those yearning to understand and prove their inseparable relationship with God, which comes from Christ’s revelation of Truth—and then to celebrate healing together.
