I wish to express gratitude to...

Edna M. Neal

I wish to express gratitude to God for Christian Science, and for the many healings received in our home.

I did not take up the study of Christian Science for physical healing, although I was much in need of it, nor was it a search for happiness. My desire was to know just what Christian Science is and to understand more about God.

As a child and young woman I suffered greatly from sick headaches, and could never enjoy games or social activities as other young people did without becoming ill. Years later my health failed me. I suffered from loss of strength and weight, and was unable to care for my family of two children. We moved to the mountains and remained there six months before going on to California. Just before we left, a large swelling which appeared on one knee was pronounced tubercular by the doctors. I became very anemic and was soon confined to my bed. After trying many remedies offered by various doctors, and finding myself no better, I became discouraged with their method of treatment, but still had nothing to turn to until a friend in the East heard of my illness and sent me a copy of the Christian Science Sentinel, which I read and reread.

As the winter months passed, the doctors advised as a last resort that I take the serum given for this particular disease, but when I asked for more time they informed me that if I waited any longer I should not be here by the next winter. I would not consent to this treatment, and so the doctor was dismissed. Love then led the way moving us to another city, next door to a woman who was a student of Christian Science, and who lovingly shared with me her understanding, her literature, and her books.

I began attending church with her, placed the children in Sunday school, and soon found myself deeply interested in and greatly inspired by the beautiful expressions of gratitude given at the Wednesday evening meetings. Suddenly I had a great desire to know more about a religion that could and would heal all manner of sin, sickness, lack, and other discordant conditions, and so Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy was purchased and the study began.

My husband was at this time unemployed, and because of my long illness our funds were greatly depleted, making the way seem even more dark: but I found much joy and happiness in trying out this new-found religion. I had taken the medicines faithfully and had been obedient to the medical advice given me; and I was just as faithful in my daily study of the Lesson-Sermons, in church attendance, and in applying this truth as it unfolded to me.

After about six months' study my husband obtained work, and he has continued in the same position until the present time. This was over twenty-five years ago. Within the same year and without the aid of a practitioner I was completely healed, and since that time I have enjoyed the best of health.

We have proved that God is our constant source of supply and protection. We also have had healings of influenza, blood poisoning, gallstones, quinsy sore throat, nervous breakdown, athlete's foot, and of the fear of lack and loss, as well as the healing of many false traits of character. I have always felt that these healings were due to my desire to know more about God and man's relation to Him.

One statement that was very helpful to me is found in "Miscellaneous Writings" by Mrs. Eddy (p. 276): "Out of the gloom comes the glory of our Lord, and His divine Love is found in affliction." Had it not been for my affliction, I might never have found Truth. So again I express my loving gratitude to and appreciation of our Leader, also my gratitude for membership in The Mother Church and in a branch church, for class instruction, and for the privilege of serving in church activities.

My one thought is that I may be able to give to others what has so lovingly been given to me, so that they too may have what I have been privileged to enjoy.— (Mrs.) Edna M. Neal, Long Beach, California.

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