If I had had only one healing...

Elsie Mugridge

If I had had only one healing through the study of Christian Science, I should feel that I could never be grateful enough for the fact that one can be healed by spiritual means alone. But I have had many proofs that Christian Science is truly the Comforter promised by Christ Jesus. Though I turned to Christian Science at first for a physical healing, I was hungering for the truth it teaches of God's government in human affairs—that rising above adversity is the natural and intelligent thing to do.

The most troublesome physical difficulties from which I was suffering at that time were those of appendicitis, a stomach disorder, constipation since babyhood, which was later diagnosed as paralysis of the lower bowel, periodic pains that used to incapacitate me for days, and a heart ailment.

I had heard of Christian Science, but had never known a person who was a student of it. But the thought of turning to it came to me when physicians said that they could only advise an immediate operation for me. I found that there was a church in a neighboring town, and I attended a Wednesday evening testimony meeting. The testimonies I heard satisfied me that Christian Science could heal any type of disease, that its teachings could guide one in every department of life, and that they were reasonable and understandable.

Although I never thought of my self as a religious person, I found a great satisfaction in hearing that healing in Christian Science was done as Jesus did it. I was so eager to find out how to be a Christian Scientist that I studied constantly. Within a few days I met a young woman who was a fine example of living the truth she professed, and though I saw her only once, I have never forgotten what her example and kindness meant to me at that time. My expectancy was great, and so I began to be free at once. There was never another attack of appendicitis, and the other ailments mentioned above faded out of my thought very quickly. I began eating normally, and never since have I been concerned over the effects of any food.

Like others, I have been healed many times when I did not know the name of the ailment, for I have never turned to medicine in any way since finding the great Physician, God. We find that under Christian Science treatment symptoms change, diseases do not run a given course as outlined by medical theories, and a physical diagnosis is useless.

Probably the greatest test I have had in meeting the argument of death was when, a number of years later. I became ill with hemorrhages. After this condition had continued for some time, I appeared to be near the valley of the shadow. I was grateful that I was able to think, and I found myself reasoning in this way: I know that I can never lose God or be separated from what Christian Science has taught me. I know that God will care for me in whatever circumstances I find myself, and I will trust and not be afraid.

But I could not stop there, and I reasoned further: It is a good thing to be patient and not to complain, but in my being resigned to this, would God be glorified? At that point I found myself rising in rebellion, and I began to feel that I had every right to live. I could see that this was really Mind supplying ideas of life and strength and that I was truly a spiritual idea, as our textbook so clearly teaches: "Man is the expression of God's being" (Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, p. 470). It was not long until I was normal and active again. I have always felt that that whole experience was one of great growth and enlightenment for me.

Later on I was wonderfully sustained through the experience of my husband's passing, and I can say that when one is following the teachings of Christian Science, he can never find himself in any circumstances where God cannot be glorified. The comforting conviction came to me that because I was feeling God's care, I could be sure that my husband was too. Because I needed help desperately, I became humble, and humility saved me from rebellion or frustration.

It is difficult to find the words to express one's debt of gratitude to Mrs. Eddy, who led the divine way in Christian Science. She showed us that this truth would have to be lived before it could be made plain to others and be given to the world. —(Mrs.) Elsie Mugridge, Evanston, Illinois.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Testimony of Healing

My gratitude for Christian Science...

September 22, 1951

Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit