In 1917 a stranger gave my grandfather a copy of The Christian Science Monitor, which gradually led to his desire to read Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. Later, he actually found a copy of the book on a muddy road in France during the First World War (see Leo J. Scholet’s testimony, Sentinel, June 28, 1930). This happened just prior to the pandemic of 1918, and here we are a hundred years later dealing with all the ramifications of another pandemic. I still think about my grandfather’s experience, which changed the course of our family’s life forever. A simple act of Christian outreach can touch others in untold ways. 

One of my constant prayers in response to the world’s needs right now has been a desire to understand God and His spiritual creation much more clearly, to know what God, divine Love, is communicating in a way that assures us and obliterates fear. Another recurring prayer has been a request that God show me how to bless others in tangible ways. 

During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the management team at the Christian Science nursing organization where I work committed to devoting two hours of prayer at the beginning of each day to our organization and the world. This has been transformational. Prayer impels good works. It enlightens, inspires, and gives direction to our day. In my case, it pushed me out of my comfort zone regarding sharing Christian Science with others hungering for answers and healing.