Christian Science came into my life after ten years of self-defeating...

Charlotte Woodhull

Christian Science came into my life after ten years of self-defeating physical and emotional illness had left me discouraged. I was prayerfully looking for a solution. I sincerely wanted to be freed from epilepsy; it began after a nearly fatal accident and when I was in a very morbid state of thought. Although I didn't really understand what I was reading, I continued to visit a Christian Science Reading Room, where I read Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy and other Christian Science literature. It was all so lovely, and I was beginning to feel happy. The librarians in the Reading Room always had a warm welcome for me, and I felt cared for.

Early in my studies I was directed to a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, whose membership embraced me in the same warm sense of caring that gave me confidence. Desiring to serve, but unable at the time to be a church member (because I was still under a doctor's care), I planned for myself a program of simple activity that included being a good Christian wherever I was, helping people when asked to, and attending the branch church services regularly. As I did so, and as I continued studying Christian Science literature, I learned not to be fearful of a human history that falsely identified me as a sick mortal who needed pills and medical supervision to be able to function normally.

Even though I wasn't a church member, the spiritual idea, Church, "the structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle" (Science and Health, p. 583), was so expanding in my thought that I stopped thinking about mortal mind's diagnosis of illness. Epilepsy, or any disease, is a fearful belief, or conviction, but it cannot overwhelm us if we take our stand for the truth of spiritual being.

In spite of strong opposition from my family, who are not Scientists, with the prayerful support of a Christian Science practitioner I did take my stand for Truth and gave full trust for healing to God. My newfound confidence grew into an expectancy of good. Almost without my knowing it, the healing had taken place. Simultaneously, a chronic nervous disorder was being replaced by a full and satisfying sense of joy.

These healings didn't come as a flash of light from heaven, but more as a very natural unfoldment of good, revealed through an increasing understanding of Truth. The spiritual conviction that has resulted from my study and Christian Science treatment has made other healings of allergy, infection, and the common cold almost instantaneous.

I'm very grateful to have found a Christian Science practitioner who encouraged me and patiently stood by during my first efforts to understand. His support of me at that time continues to be an inspiration for growth in understanding.

I'm deeply grateful for membership in the branch church that helped me so much in these healings, and for membership in The Mother Church. Above all else, I'm grateful to be a Christian Scientist with an increasing ability to heal. Mrs. Eddy quotes these words from a poem by A. E. Hamilton (Retrospection and Introspection, p. 95): "And comforters are needed much/Of Christlike touch." We have unlimited opportunities to share what we know to be true, and I'm grateful to be a part of this sharing.

(Miss) Charlotte Woodhull
Riverdale, New York

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