Words are inadequate to express my gratitude for all that Christian Science has done for me. After my mother passed on, I had many lessons to learn. It seemed to be a period of uncovering hidden errors and of mental upheaval. But it was also a time of progress and healing as I was reaching out to broader activities and a fuller life.

During this time my teacher in Christian Science stood by me not only as a practitioner but as a friend, so that I felt a minimum of grief or loss. I was told that one can never lack mother love since our Father-Mother God is ever present and this love is expressed by everyone, not just by one's human mother. I found this to be absolutely true. Old friendships deepened; new friendships developed.

I recall two physical healings during this period. One occurred during a trip to Boston. I developed a headache, which threatened to interfere with my plans to take a tour of the historical landmarks of the Christian Science movement. My first reaction was to stay in my motel room for the afternoon. But I recalled that a practitioner had recently told me to give a quick but clear treatment and then go on with one's normal activities. I decided to be obedient to this advice. I spent about ten minutes in quiet prayer, knowing I was actually right then and there God's perfect child, not a mortal with a headache; that God's law for me was good and a headache was no part of God's law and was therefore illegitimate. I knew I could trust the metaphysical work. I went on with my activities and was freed of the headache. The most important factor was that I was willing to take a mental stand and then let Truth do the work.

Another healing also took place while I was traveling. I was staying with friends and developed a severe cold, including a sore throat. My friends had planned a little trip and a party for the next day. I spent much of the day resting and reading the Christian Science periodicals, but there was no improvement. I felt that I would have to forgo the next day's activities.

That evening before retiring I thought, "I won't be able to sleep. I can't breathe freely when I lie down." Then I remembered the advice about giving myself a treatment. I got ready for bed and spent five minutes declaring the truth. I can't remember my thoughts exactly, but what mattered was my attitude of simple trust that after I knew the truth I would be able to rest in it and go to sleep. This I did. I had an undisturbed night's sleep and awoke with all the cold symptoms gone. I was able to participate in the planned activities without any ill effects and felt perfectly normal. It seems to me that both these healings have a common denominator: simplicity of thought and, having prayed, willingness to let go and let God do the work of removing the false evidence.

During the next six months the way opened up for me to be married, and this was a proof of the efficacy of Christian Science all the way. With the consecrated help of a practitioner I learned to rely on God's direction instead of on human will. Personal sense had to yield, and when it did, I was receptive to God's guiding. It is a joy for my husband and me to be working together in Christian Science and basing our marriage on this healing religion. This lovely sense of companionship is the expression of God's love, for which I am constantly grateful. We now have a fine little boy who is bringing much joy to our life and is further evidence of a complete sense of family.

As I look back on the whole experience, which covered about a year and a half, I can honestly acknowledge that it was one of the best times of my life. I can see Love leading me each step of the way of progressive unfoldment. And, of course, this unfoldment is still going on.

I am most sincerely grateful for class instruction, for the opportunity to teach in the Sunday School, and for Mrs. Eddy, who gave us Christian Science, which truly does meet every human need.

(Mrs.) Patricia E. Wolf
Jacksonville, Florida