I was brought up in a belief system that said that I was a sinner from birth and that I was flawed. The God that I learned about was loving, yet judgmental. I never felt good enough to live up to His demands. For a young girl who wanted to be obedient to God, this was very confusing and frightening. When I was younger I wanted to ask God why I was a sinner, but I never did. I thought God would get mad at me for asking a mindless question. Who was I to challenge God?

In my early adulthood I sought other ways to learn about God. This spiritual quest lasted many years. 

A few years ago, I was faced with several pressing issues: I needed healing in a number of family situations, I required major dental work that was beyond my financial means, and most importantly, I was looking for clarity on my life’s purpose. I knew what work I wanted to be involved in, but I didn’t know what direction to take in my career. 

I prayed to God with all my heart for deeper spiritual, mental, and physical healings. Then one day, an idea came to me. I wrote a letter to God. I took the letter, put it in a box and wrapped it in Christmas paper. I put a pretty bow on the box and a tag that said: “To God, from Virginia.” That night I heard a voice from within me say, “Your life is going to change forever.”

The next day, I went with a friend to a spiritual studies meeting. I had been attending these meetings for about two years and always found them uplifting. Little did I know, though, that same day I would find something that would really make my heart sing. Halfway through the meeting, the facilitator changed the subject and presented the group with a book: Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. She asked us if we had ever heard of the book or the author. We said no. 

I soon would understand that “Your life is going to change forever” was referring to my introduction to Christian Science. Within a week, I had attended my first testimony meeting, visited a Christian Science Reading Room, and worked with a very loving Christian Science practitioner. Within two weeks, my dental issues were completely healed, my family situations had become more harmonious, I had found clarity regarding my life’s work, and I became happier than I can possibly say. God is truly almighty divine Love.

To this day, I continue to read and study Science and Health, which is the textbook of Christian Science. Through Mary Baker Eddy’s loving and thoughtful work, I have gained an understanding of a God who is pure, impartial Love, not a God with conditions or judgment. I am so very grateful that Mrs. Eddy had courage, a strong conviction of spiritual truth, and so much love for God’s infinite creation that she dedicated her life’s work to the betterment of all humanity by revealing our true nature as God’s children.