The depth of love and gratitude felt by one who has...

Margaret Howes

The depth of love and gratitude felt by one who has received the "unspeakable gift" of Christian Science is difficult to express in words. I am grateful that I have enjoyed its blessings most of my life. The understanding of God as the only creator and of man's relationship to Him as His reflection has enabled me to claim a greater portion of my birthright of health, happiness, protection, and harmony.

During the first five years of my life I was carefully watched and doctored. When I was five years old, my mother found Christian Science through the influence of a friend whose daily living exemplified the truth. After reading Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy all one night, my mother decided to attend the next service at a Christian Science church, and she did not return to her former church. While she sought only a better understanding of God in her study of Christian Science, she was, through that very seeking, healed physically.

Soon the medicine chest was discarded, and within the year my father consented to my attending the Christian Science Sunday School, which I am grateful to have attended ever since as pupil, teacher, and officer, except for five years in which I served the church in other capacities. The foundation of spiritual understanding which the Sunday school gave me, and its beneficent influence in my life, are inestimable. From the time I was freed from medical influence, I gained strength and health so completely that I was scarcely touched by so-called children's diseases, and what symptoms appeared caused me no suffering and vanished quickly under Christian Science treatment.

Through the years, the physical healings in our family have been swift, sure, and permanent. In my own experience, instantaneous healing of a very ugly seed wart came when I looked away from the body and realized that God expresses beauty and perfection in His spiritual creation. A felon on a finger broke and discharged, and the finger healed within a week without causing me much pain, because I refused to admit into my consciousness any of the material suggestions of bad results. At various times, earache, ringworm, influenza, colds, and other minor ailments have presented themselves, only to be quickly destroyed through the application of Christian Science.

The various experiences during my college course which necessitated my doing my own metaphysical work were cause for gratitude, for thereby my understanding was increased and progress in Christian Science assured. Working with the Christian Science organization of the university I attended was a privilege which more Christian Scientists in college should enjoy. It prepared me better for the responsibilities and duties of church membership, showed me the importance and value of service for the Cause of Christian Science, and helped me uphold the teachings of Christian Science in my contacts with others. While at the university, I was able to meet the problem of homesickness, was freed from aftereffects of inhaling laughing gas which had nearly overcome me in a chemistry laboratory, was protected from an explosion in the same laboratory, was healed of an injury to a leg caused by a hard fall the day prior to having to practice stage falls in a dramatics class, was supported during an influenza epidemic so that, fearless of contagion, I could help others; and I was aided in expressing intelligence in classes and during examinations by knowing the oneness of Mind. In countless other ways Christian Science was "a very present help."

In the teaching profession, promotions came only as I was obedient to Principle and patiently willing to prove harmony and success in the place where I was, and not to outline humanly what steps must be taken. The attendant lessons brought much spiritual growth.

For the healing of sorrow at the passing of my father I also give thanks to Christian Science. It enabled me to rise above self-pity and gave me courage and strength to assume added responsibilities. At that time great comfort and support came from meditating upon the Bible verse, "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."

My heart overflows with praise and gratitude to God; to Christ Jesus, the Way-shower; and to Mrs. Eddy, who so unselfishly shared her discovery with mankind; for the many blessings that have come to me through the ministrations of Christian Science. Financial problems have been met, friendships preserved; disposition has been improved, and protection at all times assured. I am grateful for the avenues through which Truth reaches us, for membership in The Mother Church and in a branch church, for class instruction, and for the opportunity to serve our Cause. I can express my full measure of devotion only by living in accord with its teachings.—(Miss) Margaret Howes, Omaha, Nebraska.

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