Chronic nightmares were something that had haunted my sleep for as long as I could remember. They were not a nightly occurrence, but I could not remember a week passing when I did not wake in the middle of the night because of terrorizing images or sounds. These nightmares had become such a habit that they felt like part of my identity. Until I decided to take Christian Science Primary class instruction. 

During the class, I immersed myself in the study of the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, and the Bible. But in the first week of instruction, the nightmares began to happen nightly, even several times a night. I struggled for a couple of days, but it began to affect my study, and I finally wanted to confront this issue. It was not going to stand between me and my study of God! 

I talked with my Christian Science teacher, and she agreed to pray for me. One thing I learned during class instruction was to address any thought that is unlike God, who is pure good. Every time memories of the dream would enter my waking thought, I prayed to God and acknowledged that these nightmares were not in the consciousness of the divine Mind, which we reflect. 

I continued with my studies, and the dreams became less intense, although they did not go away. During class I began to realize that I wanted to change my routines—I wanted to make Christian Science study and practice more present in my life, and I returned home after class was over with that intention. 

My first night home, back in my bed with my dogs snuggled next to me, I fell asleep in comfort and joy. But then, boom! I was shaken awake by a horrific dream. I sat on the edge of my bed, angry and tired. I had had enough! I thought, This is ridiculous! This needs to stop! 

I opened my copy of the weekly Bible Lesson from the Christian Science Quarterly, and part of a story from First Kings stood out to me: “A great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice” (19:11, 12).

While I sat in prayer, I listened. Then this thought came to me: “You are loved.” It was so simple, at first I dismissed it. I continued in quiet prayer, and again it came: “You are loved.” I thought deeply about this idea until I truly understood that God loved me, and this realization finally grew into acceptance. I was also reminded of a quote from Science and Health that I had read on the wall of my Christian Science Sunday School as a girl: “Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need” (p. 494). I felt loved. 

Throughout the day I would return to the thought “You are loved” and the quote from Sunday School. That night I slept peacefully, then the next, then the next. It has already been a year with no nightmares disturbing me or shaking me awake!

I was raised in Christian Science but did not become a serious student until recent years. Through my study of Christian Science I have learned that I am included in the expression of divine Love.

This healing of a lifelong problem has set me on a new course, and I am so grateful for the peace and love that the study of Christian Science has shown me. 

M. Holland
La Center, Washington, US