I experienced my first healing through Christian Science in the spring of 1956. At that time we were in a refugee camp, and I had contracted a severe cold. An abscess in my throat worsened until I was unable to eat. I was afraid I might suffocate. The doctor administered shots but to no avail, and finally he said that only an operation could help. Because of our circumstances I was obliged to undergo this treatment. In the meantime, my mother had written to a Christian Science practitioner, and the same day that the practitioner received Mother's letter, the healing came. It was instantaneous; the disease vanished like a dream, and the operation was not necessary. The doctor couldn't account for this healing and kept repeating again and again, "Thanks to God!"

Once, some time later, I began to feel the same symptoms developing. I recalled the above experience and rejoiced in the omnipotent healing presence of Christian Science. This statement by Mrs. Eddy from Miscellaneous Writings reassured me (p. 58): "When the belief in the power of disease is destroyed, disease cannot return." My trust in the power of Truth did not allow any thoughts of fear to undermine my conviction, and in a very short time I was free. As a child I had been susceptible to all types of colds. But the fear of colds was so thoroughly destroyed that I have never again suffered from this belief.

During my school days I frequently suffered from spells of weakness. If I had to stand for any length of time, I became dizzy and lost consciousness. I rode the train to school, and in the morning it was especially crowded, which meant I usually had to stand. It came to a point where I was panic-stricken about this situation, so I asked a practitioner for Christian Science treatment. Since then I have been completely free. In fact, several years after, I stood in line without difficulty for six hours waiting to see a special exhibit at the British Museum while visiting London.

In Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy we read (p. 234): "Sin and disease must be thought before they can be manifested. You must control evil thoughts in the first instance, or they will control you in the second." Several years ago some colleagues at work repeatedly discussed in detail the problem of damaged vertebral disks. They talked about what supposedly caused this condition and agreed that very little could be done to remedy it from a medical point of view. Added to this, my attention was continuously drawn to the complaint by company publications and advertising material. Within a short time, I was manifesting many of the symptoms I'd heard described. I couldn't move without feeling severe pain. Although I'd never participated in discussions about this claim, I nevertheless had not specifically opposed it with the truth of man's immortal being.

One evening I told my sister, "I think I have to start doing some exercises." She only answered briefly, "You'd better forget about the exercises. What you need is some spiritual exercise!" We both had to laugh, and instantly I realized the absurdity of what mortal mind was asserting to be true. I realized very clearly that it is impossible for God's spiritual idea to be in pain. As Mrs. Eddy states (Science and Health, p. 468), "There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter."

A few days later I noticed that I was able to bend down without pain. With great joy and gratitude I found that I was healed. I am also especially happy that this illness was not a topic of conversation again in the office. The lesson I learned from this experience is very valuable to me. I realized that it is not enough to try to shut out or ignore discussions of inharmonies. Rather, we need mentally to confront mortal mind's suggestions with Truth and deny the belief that there is any power but God and His goodness governing man.

ANNEMARIE TALBIERSKY
Duisburg, Federal Republic of Germany