I used to be one of those white-knuckle fliers. I would hardly sleep or eat for about a week before flying, and my heart would race from the time I got to the airport until the plane’s wheels touched down at our destination. Prayer helped, but the fear was always there. After one bumpy flight with my husband, I burst into tears and pleaded with him not to ask me to fly again. He didn’t, and I didn’t fly for ten years. 

Then my son, living and studying abroad, had exciting news. He and his Welsh girlfriend were getting married . . . in Wales. My joy was heavily clouded with fear. How would I get on a plane? Would I miss my son’s wedding? My husband offered the option of going by boat. While that was a possibility, and I loved my husband for that tender care for me, I knew I needed to overcome this fear once and for all through Christian Science.

I began a metaphysical study of everything related to flying in the Bible, in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, and in the Christian Science Hymnal. I read every article and testimony I could find in the Christian Science periodicals on fear and fear of flying. I listened to talks on JSH-Online.com. While these brought me comfort, I didn’t feel I was making much progress. One day, standing in my kitchen, I just started crying. I badly wanted to be free of this fear. I wanted to be nothing but joyous about the upcoming nuptials. But while I felt a bit discouraged, I didn’t give up. I kept praying, listening for God’s guidance and healing messages.