Twenty-two years ago, my husband and I welcomed our second child. Our son was born prematurely, and we were told his lungs were not fully developed. He was kept in the hospital for a week to be monitored before we could take him home. When he turned six months, he was diagnosed with asthma. 

I had been introduced to Christian Science by my husband’s mother, but this was still early in my study of this Science, and I didn’t yet feel comfortable relying on God for healing. So, as advised by the doctors, we relied on breathing machines and medication to manage our son’s condition. The situation was deeply disturbing, and I found myself struggling with depression and tremendous fear for his future. 

At this time my husband suggested that we call a Christian Science practitioner. Our son was still under medical supervision, and we were continuing his medications, but the practitioner lovingly agreed to pray for me and support my spiritual growth at this challenging time. I spoke with her often over the next six months, and she provided me with passages from the Christian Science textbooks—the Bible, and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy—to study.