I have known Christian Science since my childhood, which was...

Herta von Gehlen

I have known Christian Science since my childhood, which was free of hardship. Always happy and cheerful, I was pampered by those around me. This did not change when I married. If something was unclear, I contacted a Christian Science practitioner, who answered my questions and pointed out helpful passages in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. Though I read some of the Christian Science literature, and the practitioner encouraged me to study, I did not understand much. Yet I was convinced that good is omnipotent and that Christian Science heals. As to how this happened I had little idea. What mattered to me was that with the aid of the practitioner everything always went harmoniously.

So there were normal, painless deliveries when our children were born, although the doctors predicted otherwise. With a serious case of blood poisoning, the healing took a little longer. We were wonderfully protected in two accidents. No one suffered the slightest injury. I was never fearful. Deep down inside a voice told me that one does not need to fear.

Then my husband became ill. The doctor's judgment was unacceptable. Everything in me resisted the diagnosis. At that time an old acquaintance who met me earnestly suggested I not rely on the help of the practitioner all the time but do something myself. From then on I began to study the Bible and the works of Mrs. Eddy regularly and attend the church services and testimony meetings.

With the help of the practitioner and my slight understanding, my husband recovered and became completely able-bodied again. He too began to take an interest in Christian Science.

Through membership in our Christian Science Society I had the opportunity to be active in church work. Later I had the privilege of becoming a member of The Mother Church.

Years later, after my husband passed on, there seemed to be no end to the tests of my ability to demonstrate Christian Science.

I had class instruction. I see now that a transformation of my way of thinking was taking place over the years. I had to abandon old concepts. For a long time criticism, willpower, and personal vanity tempted me to analyze weaknesses of character in others and to pass judgment on them. I had to give up the desire to change the world in accordance with my own supposed image of good. I grew to rely on the following words from the textbook (Science and Health, p. 505): "Spirit imparts the understanding which uplifts consciousness and leads into all truth," and (p. 538), "Truth should, and does, drive error out of all selfhood." I have learned that progress is not a personal merit but the action of Truth.

Christian Science has become a source of happiness and satisfaction not only to me but also to those whom I am able to help through prayer, as I see that reflection of Godlike qualities is one's true state. "The word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it" (Deut. 30: 14).

(Mrs.) Herta von Gehlen
Joinville, Brazil

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Words of Current Interest

October 12, 1974

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