The day came when I received my first contract...

Originally published in the 2007 pamphlet “Possession”

 The day came when I received my first contract as a costume designer with one of the big motion picture studios in Hollywood. Although Christian Science had been a help to me before, the desire for more and more money, more importance, more fame, grew in my thought, shutting out everything else.

I spent much time and effort in pursuit of the people and things which I felt would make me important. I became resentful of other people's success, and began running around trying to do everything I could to get my human personality admired and sought after. I had my office painted shocking pink, and hired a publicity agent. I worked very hard to know all the press people. I would take them to lunch, and cultivated everyone I could think of in this line. I was in night clubs three and four nights a week, because I thought one had to be seen. My husband tried to assist me in everything I wanted. Now, I realize he suffered patiently, silently, and quietly. This went on for about eleven years.

When something didn't go right or I was pushed aside in favor of someone else, I would call a Christian Science practitioner and I'd get out a [Christian Science] Sentinel or a [Christian Science] Journal and read a little till things quieted down. Then I would go on. I felt I was being very sophisticated and I did everything that I thought I wanted to do.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

JSH Collections

JSH-Online has hundreds of pamphlets, anthologies, and special editions for you to discover.

BROWSE COLLECTIONS

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit