Realizing the privilege that is...

O'dellmae Johnson

Realizing the privilege that is mine, as well as my duty as a Christian Scientist, to testify to the ever-availability of the Love that heals, I submit this testimony.

I had been brought up in an orthodox church, attending Sunday School as a child and later joining the church. Its teachings meant very little to me; the social activities were a greater attraction.

Several years after I was married, my husband became very ill with arthritis and an ulcerated stomach. For months we sought out physicians, but he grew steadily worse. When all material means had failed us, a dear friend told us of a Christian Science practitioner who lived nearby and to whom we then went. Great joy came to us with that first visit. Our introduction to Christian Science was beautiful. It turned our thoughts away from a sick and pain-racked man, and we beheld in Science the perfect and beloved idea of God. Through the sincere and earnest study of the Bible and of the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, my husband was completely healed.

At first this healing seemed like a miracle to my daughter and me. But through the study and application of Christian Science we too soon realized how divinely natural is the manifestation of God's love for man.

In my own individual experience I have witnessed many healings. About three years ago a lump appeared on my body and was very noticeable. There followed an alarming condition, and many erroneous thoughts suggested themselves to my consciousness.

When the condition first appeared, I turned immediately to our textbook. Starting on page 390 I studied several pages sincerely and earnestly so that my consciousness might be spiritualized. Refusing to accept the evidence of the material senses and looking away from the body, I was able to accept the truths on these pages and also in "the scientific statement of being" (p. 468). I began to express gratitude for the fact that man is spiritual, and I became more and more conscious of this truth.

A great peace came into my thought, and I declared that, regardless of what mortal mind claimed the condition to be, I was not afraid. Immediately the fever and pain left, and I was able to rest. Upon awakening I found the swelling had begun to drain. Thus the material manifestations of my fear were eradicated from my body as the fear had been from my thought. The condition cleared immediately, and the next day only a small red scar remained. It too disappeared as I denied that the discord had ever had reality in the truth of being.

This experience showed me the necessity for more earnest study of and obedience to the Manual of The Mother Church by our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, especially Article VIII, Section 6, which is entitled "Alertness to Duty." This section shows us the importance of daily protecting ourselves against all aggressive mental suggestion.

For over twenty years Christian Science has met our every need, whether physical, mental, or financial. Mere words cannot express my heartfelt gratitude for the beautiful teachings of Christ Jesus and of our beloved Leader, for they reveal one infinite God and man as His image and likeness, thus giving hope and healing to many.

For the privileges of class instruction, of serving as a Second Reader, and of having an active part in helping my fellow men, I give thanks to God each day.—(Mrs.) O'dellmae Johnson, Cleveland, Ohio.

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Testimony of Healing

Much telling will not relate all...

June 22, 1957

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