It was over twenty-seven years...

Florence I. Detwiler

It was over twenty-seven years ago that Christian Science was introduced to our little family. We were going through a period when there was much unemployment throughout the city. My husband had been laid off from an office position and was driving a taxicab at night. The remuneration was meager. I was worried and anxious, and the constant effort to keep two young boys quiet during the day in order that their father could rest culminated in a nervous state with which I seemed unable to cope. Then our downstairs neighbor started carpentry work at night, and I was desperate.

A friend recommended that I look into Christian Science, and after my first visit to a practitioner the noise downstairs stopped. Then the practitioner talked with us about our various problems, and it was pointed out to us that "Soul has infinite resources with which to bless mankind, and happiness would be more readily attained and would lie more secure in our keeping, if sought in Soul" (Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, p. 60).

Although there still seemed to be no vacant positions, my husband was then offered work in a machine shop. He was at first fearful, for he had not done work of this nature for many years and had no tools. The practitioner assured him that the same Love that gave him the position would supply the intelligence and the tools to handle it. Tools poured in from everywhere. We did not even have to ask for them.

When this machine-shop work was completed, my husband was again laid off. However, we had paid off many bills, and we never doubted again that God would lead us to a further channel of supply. Then a neighbor, who had previously shown much animosity toward us, told us of another company that was doing some hiring. My husband found employment there; and when that work was completed, the personnel manager directed him to another company. In all the years since then, my husband has not been without employment, and every move has been a progressive step. Christian Science has never failed to lead us into the right way.

A healing that helped me to progress occurred about six years ago. We were in the process of selling one house and buying another. There were many delays and difficulties, and I allowed the confusion and anxiety to overwhelm me. For a week I was unable to retain food or even water. There was a great deal of pain and self-pity. Then we called a Christian Science practitioner, and the business was quickly and harmoniously concluded. The physical condition too was greatly improved.

However, much study and a denial of mortal selfhood were necessary on my part. On page 353 of Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy says: "Perfection underlies reality. Without perfection, nothing is wholly real. All things will continue to disappear, until perfection appears and reality is reached." I held steadfastly to this passage and found much happiness in the study necessary to overcome the illness. Several other members of my family became interested in Christian Science at this time.

I am deeply grateful for Mrs. Eddy and her great love for humanity, for her gift to us of Christian Science, for the textbook, Science and Health, which enables us to understand and use this Science, and for the practitioner who has always lovingly answered our calls for help.—(Mrs.) Florence I. Detwiler, Cleveland, Ohio.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Testimony of Healing

My introduction to Christian Science...

June 30, 1962

Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit