God's presence was first evident to me in a healing I had a few years after I'd begun attending a Christian Science Sunday School. A relative had introduced me to Science, and I found such a warm welcome at the Sunday School that I continued going, absorbed in the inspiring love and truth that I was learning.

One frigid night I lay in bed quite miserable, unable to go to sleep because of a very bad cold. I dreaded the lengthy discomfort that had always attended my catching a cold. Then this admonition found in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy came to me (p. 392): "Stand porter at the door of thought." I decided to try doing this by closing out the symptoms of sickness and allowing God's allness to shine forth in my consciousness. The next thing I knew it was morning and I was eagerly anticipating events of the day. Suddenly I recalled how poorly I had felt at bedtime and was overjoyed that I now felt entirely well. I was healed!

Another clear proof of Truth's omnipotence came in a healing my mother had of a broken hip. Initially and at her request, my mother was taken to a hospital. But the physician in charge said that he could do nothing immediately because she was in shock. Her condition worsened for three days, and then the physician told me he would need to wait indefinitely before setting the bone. Because of her advanced years he doubted that she would even survive the ordeal.

While we were talking, I realized that there was certainly a better way to handle this situation. So I excused myself and phoned a nearby Christian Science practitioner to ask for help. In order for us to rely entirely on Christian Science treatment, I moved Mother home. This was done, much to the dismay of hospital personnel, after I had signed a paper releasing them of all responsibility. Family members then took over my duties so that I could care for Mother. Having had no Christian Science nursing experience, I had to rely entirely on divine Mind's guidance, but I was confident that through earnest scientific prayer, healing was inevitable. Each day I was able to report progress to the practitioner. And within a month Mother was her usual cheerful self and able to walk with complete freedom.

More recently I was healed of severe pain because of a neck injury. At the time I ate almost nothing and to avoid pain moved my body as little as possible. Through my own prayerful efforts and those of a practitioner the pain was partially relieved.

Upon waking one morning, I felt a strong impulsion to change my approach to the problem and resolved to spiritualize my perception of others. In other words, to genuinely love my fellowman. It was such a pleasure to remove the unreal cloak of materiality from my memories of others, to see each one as the whole, blessed, and unlimited reflection of God. In Science and Health we read (p. 332), "Christ is the true idea voicing good, the divine message from God to men speaking to the human consciousness."

Then this divine message permeated thought: "Fear not, the Christ has made you whole." Instantly I felt full of energy. I got out of bed and started setting my neglected house in order. The fear being conquered, pain vanished and I was completely free. Once again I was able to undertake my home and professional duties with joy.

Through study of the writings of Mary Baker Eddy and membership in the Church of Christ, Scientist, we have abundant opportunities for growth in our understanding of God's nearness, dearness, and power.

LENORE ROBERTS
San Angelo, Texas