Turning Points In Spiritual Growth September 9, 2019 ISSUE

Lifted out of despair

Valerie Russell

When my husband and I were expecting our first child, I began a search for the peace and comfort that had characterized my own childhood. I had been raised in a Christian Science home and had experienced many healings, both with my mother’s support and through my own prayers. I attended a Christian Science Sunday School regularly throughout my youth until I left for college. Then I began to stray from the teachings of Christian Science and question its value in my life. But I remember missing feeling close to God during this time as I wandered spiritually for several years.

After the birth of our son, I followed a regular schedule of pediatrician visits. The pediatrician was loving but firm about a timetable of standard medical recommendations. I began to feel a deep and personal responsibility for my son and no longer felt confident in my ability to make the right decisions for his future care. I wanted to feel again the deep trust in God that had so often brought healing and peace to my childhood. I suddenly could not think clearly about anything and became deeply depressed.

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