A few years ago, I felt something was very wrong with my heart. My heartbeat was irregular, and I felt very weak much of the time. I remember leaning against the counter as I did things in the kitchen because I felt almost too weak to remain standing. When walking, I could take only a few steps before having to rest.  

It was natural for me to treat the difficulty through Christian Science, as I had always done that and had had so many healings through prayer alone. In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy states: “The human thought must free itself from self-imposed materiality and bondage. It should no longer ask of the head, heart, or lungs: What are man’s prospects for life? Mind is not helpless. Intelligence is not mute before non-intelligence” (p. 191). Understanding that passage was a great help to me. 

I also found much support from another of Mrs. Eddy’s statements, which she calls “the trumpet-word of Truth” and which reads, “ ‘There is no death, no inaction, diseased action, overaction, nor reaction’ ” (Science and Health, pp. 427–428).

My prayers about this went on for two years or more, sometimes with the help of a Christian Science practitioner. Though I experienced only temporary relief at times, I knew that the spiritual truth I was declaring was effective and must be manifested as I realized more fully God’s presence and love. I frequently declared: “Love is my heart; Mind is my strength; the currents of Spirit are my circulation; God is my Life.”

I often reminded myself when I was being active that I was exercising thought, not matter. I was expressing God in strength, action, rhythm, energy, vigor, vitality, and harmony. I did not feel afraid, for I knew God’s love was ever present, and “perfect love casteth out fear” (I John 4:18).

Then one day I noticed I was walking more freely, and my wife commented to that effect. A few days later, when we were visiting a large park, we hiked for over three hours with no difficulty or bad effects. And I’ve been able to walk freely ever since and have the strength to do all my usual activities, including housework, gardening, and biking.

Words can’t express the satisfaction, gratitude, and joy that come with spiritual healing, for Truth brings not only an outward change, but the thought is also healed and lifted higher in the understanding of life in God. I’m so grateful for Christian Science and for Mary Baker Eddy, who brought us this powerful understanding.

Ralph Waldo Emerson
Tacoma, Washington, US