I had been asked to serve as substitute soloist at a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, and was looking forward to the opportunity. I’ve always enjoyed singing as a way to express God, especially in church.

But about a week before I was due to sing, I began experiencing flu-like symptoms. I called my dad, who is a Christian Science practitioner, to pray with me. For me, praying is a time to listen to God and get to know Him better. As I do that, I get to know God’s creation better, too—and that includes me.

My dad reminded me that, as a child of God, Spirit, I express only good, spiritual qualities, and that those include things such as health, happiness, and peace. My spiritual purpose and identity—my only purpose and identity—are not changed by false suggestions, such as illness; the illness had no validity and no power over me.