I am most grateful that my parents enrolled me in a Christian Science Sunday School...

Ida A. Dowling

I am most grateful that my parents enrolled me in a Christian Science Sunday School.

When I was a small child, I was healed of polio in about a month. The healing has been permanent, without leaving a handicap. My grandmother, mother, father, and a Christian Science practitioner were my constant companions throughout this experience, and they consistently reminded me that God, good, controlled me, not matter or its so-called laws.

When I was in high school, I was very ill with what seemed to be the flu. I couldn't seem to regain my strength, although I was studying the textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, very diligently. One day my Sunday School teacher, who was a practitioner, telephoned and wanted to talk to me. Even though it meant quite an effort, I wanted to be obedient, so I went to the phone. In our conversation, she offered to help me through prayer and I accepted most readily. She assured me that I am a child of God and not open to disease.

In a few days I felt able to return to school, but I needed a medical certificate to do so. The practitioner assured me that all would be fine. When the doctor had made his examination, knowing I was a Christian Scientist, he said, "You have had a wonderful healing. You have evidence of an internal goiter having been removed and of a heart condition that has been arrested." When I told the practitioner about this she said, "God does not arrest—He heals." And it was so. This healing has been a beacon to me over these many years.

I have had two experiences of painless childbirth at home through reliance on the truths of God's perfect creation.

More recently I have overcome fear of driving alone because I know I am not really alone, as God is always with me.

Recently, at the passing of someone close to me, grief was completely healed. The thought that one's life is "hid with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3) was a great inspiration.

I love the Bible and Science and Health and study them diligently every day. I am very thankful for the Lesson-Sermons, in the Christian Science Quarterly, for all the Christian Science periodicals, and for the beautiful experience of class instruction.

I am also grateful for the privilege of serving in a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, and for Mrs. Eddy, who so unselfishly gave us the written word that we may study and gain a clear understanding of God.

Christian Science has been my way of life always, and I am sincerely grateful for every challenge, because each healing is a proof of God's care.

(Mrs.) Ida A. Dowling
Fargo, North Dakota

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