The supremacy of good

To me this passage by Mary Baker Eddy in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: “As a man thinketh, so is he” (p. 166 ), in reference to the Bible verse from Proverbs 23:7 , refers not only to our being, but also relates to every condition and circumstance in life. Our character is the outcome of our thoughts. As a plant would not exist without the seed’s sprouting, in the same way each act of a person germinates from hidden seeds of thought. This applies to spontaneous actions, as well as to ones deliberately executed. Therefore, a person reaps the sweet or bitter fruits of his own mental harvest.

I had not visited the district where I was born, and where my parents live, in 20 years. I returned to this district at the invitation of a friend, who is a big entrepreneur in the field of restoration and tourism. People are attracted to this region because of its oil production, which employs a very large workforce. Because of its geographic location, this district facilitates a smooth flow of trade. Therefore, this region offers many business and employment opportunities, and a cultural diversity resulting from the migration of people from other districts of the same province, as well as other places.

Cultural diversity is a wealth that transmits values and traditions of different peoples. There is no harm in differences when one acts reasonably, without exceeding the limits of morality that are based on ethical principles. I say this because, among other beliefs, I would like to mention one that caught my attention, the belief of zimbassu, which I wasn’t aware of when I was still living in that district.

Zimbassu is a general belief in witchcraft. Usually a person visits a witchdoctor and buys powders and other mixtures that constitute this form of witchcraft, in order to hit an adversary. These mixtures are thrown in places where the so-called enemy goes frequently, aiming at that person, with the goal of hitting any part of his or her body. I have heard of some fatal cases, when the powder touches someone’s neck, eyes, and head. In some cases, for instance, zimbassu may cause inflammation and bring quick death if the targeted person doesn’t receive emergency treatment from a traditional faith healer.

Because of the number of people affected by this belief, friends, relatives, and good people in general, who mean well, try to warn visitors to be careful when walking around the city.

Evil is never part of God’s kingdom, for the ever-present Christ defeats evil with Truth.

I tried not to let myself be influenced by the emotions of these accounts, acknowledging everybody as beloved children of God, manifesting only the good that fills all space. However, one week after arriving in that district, I started to experience the symptoms of zimbassu on my feet. I tried to protect my thoughts by studying the Bible, and leaned on this passage: “And there was war in heaven: … and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven” (Revelation 12:7, 8 ). In the Glossary of Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy wrote the following definition: “Red Dragon . Error; fear; inflammation; sensuality; subtlety; animal magnetism; envy; revenge” (p. 593 ). I understood that the dragon is synonymous with evil. Whether it is manifested in the form of zimbassu or in any other form, evil is never part of God’s kingdom, for the ever-present Christ defeats evil with Truth.

The symptoms prevailed for a few days, but I didn’t fear them because through the study of Science and Health and the Bible, I was sure that metaphysical Christian healing is demonstrable and supreme before any expression of evil. When people think or speak about zimbassu, they contribute to keeping this epidemic alive. Therefore, I kept watching my thoughts during daily conversations not to take this belief into my thinking

After a week my feet had totally recovered. My friend and my parents were very happy because they had never before witnessed the healing power of prayer in such cases. I have peacefully worked in this district for three years, without fearing zimbassu or any other belief, and I walk freely around various places.

In Science and Health, we read: “We may well be perplexed at human fear; and still more astounded at hatred, which lifts its hydra head, showing its horns in the many inventions of evil. But why should we stand aghast at nothingness? The great red dragon symbolizes a lie,—the belief that substance, life, and intelligence can be material. This dragon stands for the sum total of human error” (p. 563 ). I understood that all evil beliefs have the same origin, mortal mind, which is at the service of what represents the dragon. However, we unmask its falsity by realizing it is a lie because its origin is not in God, the All-in-all, infinite and supreme good. This way of thinking brings the best and most secure protection to us and to everyone around us.