That Christian Science gives strength in the midst of...

Laura Sheldon Inman

That Christian Science gives strength in the midst of weakness, and victory in the midst of seeming defeat, was proven to me last fall, when, our house being geographically about the "storm-center" of a severe fever epidemic, I found myself succumbing to this malady. Calling upon a practitioner for help, the more pronounced conditions were so speedily met that I did not realize, until I was practically well again, what had been the nature or name of the disorder. Indeed the disturbance had seemed so purely mental,—the caldron of mortal thoughts had been so stirred to the very bottom, and so needed to be purified and subdued to an orderly, peaceful condition, that I had had little time or inclination to think of a name for the trouble.

During this time, which covered several weeks, I found it possible to perform most of the necessary duties in a household of six persons,—four of them children under twelve,—doing all but the heaviest work, with only occasionally a little more assistance than that usually given me by my husband and children. I ate my usual meals and, for the most part, retired and rose at the usual hours, with but little wakefulness. Many times, during my work, I found it necessary to leave what I was doing and rest on my bed until I could gain, through scientific demonstration, strength to continue it. Gradually, however, the periods of rest became shorter and less frequent, until normal strength was again established. Beside this, I was able to carry on my work as organist of our little church, using the largest form of reed organ, with two manuals and pedal keyboard. I practised frequently, and did not miss a service.

Many, many times this passage from Science and Health (p. 385) was a distinct help: "Constant toil, deprivations, exposures, and all untoward conditions, if without sin, can be experienced without suffering. Whatever it is your duty to do, you can do without harm to yourself." Especially was this a help one Sunday morning, when on first waking I had not the strength to rise and dress, and found that, for the first and as it proved the only time during this illness, I must take my breakfast in bed. Remaining quietly there, however, until I could realize somewhat that God's strength was my strength, and that because my place was at the organ at the appointed hour, the needed strength would be provided for each moment's preparation and for the performance of the work itself, in the course of half an hour I rose and began to dress. Little by little, as the realization became clearer, strength and energy increased, so that I performed my regular duties. It had been proven to me that God does not require us to "make bricks without straw." Later, when my strength and health were about normal again, my hair began to come out and again I called for help. In a few days' time there was marked improvement, and new hair began to come in.

All this physical help through Christian Science was indeed much to me, but that for which I find myself most grateful is the mental reformation accomplished during this time of stress and weakness. The healing most needed has taken place, mortal mind has been elevated to a higher plane and a healthier attitude established toward my work and those about me; in other words, the Christ-mind is more in evidence, and the mortal mind or selfhood has consequently become dimmer and less obtrusive. I must not close before mentioning that, after my own recovery, this same malady tried to attack each of my household, but the demonstration had been so complete with myself that it obtained little foothold in our consciousness. A few hours at most found the illusion entirely dispelled, with but two calls for help outside of that which I was able to give.

Can it be doubted that we were all grateful for these evidences of "God with us," and for the beloved Leader who is showing us daily how to prove His ever-presence and power?—Laura Sheldon Inman, Franklin, Pa.

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