It has been said that man’s extremity is God’s opportunity, and I have always found this to be true. Through the years, I have had many proofs of God’s presence and immediate help during challenging times in my life. One occasion in particular stands out.

As a member of my church’s very active institutional committee for many years, I volunteered weekly in various penal institutions in Southern California. One evening while driving to an honor farm—a minimum penal institution—I was praying in preparation for the Christian Science church service we held there weekly, at which I served in different capacities. 

This prayer included the recognition that all are receptive to the preaching at these services because it is not personal but is the Word of God. This preaching is shared in sermons comprising passages from the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. I also affirmed the all-power of God, Love, and the fact that God’s man—every child of God—is loved and loving because he is the pure and sinless reflection of God, created in His image and likeness. Confident of the truth of these ideas, I looked forward to a harmonious service.