The Sentinel has a special place in my heart because it is the means through which Christian Science came to my family. Soon after the Sentinel was established by Mary Baker Eddy in 1898, my mother’s great aunt was quickly healed of a severe case of dropsy by reading articles in an issue of the magazine. 

My mother studied and practiced Christian Science throughout her life and was a shining example for me. I feel deeply indebted to her for modeling a steadfast devotion to attending Christian Science church services, taking me to Sunday School, reading each week’s Bible Lesson found in the Christian Science Quarterly, and most important, turning to God in prayer for every need. I’ve embraced this same strong foundation, which has supported me throughout my life, and I’ve had countless healings. 

I will share one healing that has become a touchstone for me whenever fear seems particularly aggressive. Isaiah 59:19 says, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” For me the standard or rule that God lifts up against the enemy of fear is clearly expressed in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mrs. Eddy: “The Christlike understanding of scientific being and divine healing includes a perfect Principle and idea,—perfect God and perfect man,—as the basis of thought and demonstration” (p. 259).