I was brought up in Christian Science, had the opportunity to go to Christian Science Sunday School, and relied totally on God for healing during my childhood. However, it wasn't until I was well into my teens that I began to make the Bible Lesson, outlined in the Christian Science Quarterly, a part of each day. I must say, the decision to study the entire lesson each day has brought into my life countless blessings and healings, one of which I would like to share here.

While I was on a trip overseas, in a country where I did not speak the language, I severely twisted my ankle. At the time, I was jogging up in the hills, a number of miles from my hotel. Suggestions of fear and helplessness seemed to pervade my thought momentarily. Yet almost instantly a calmness took over, and I began to affirm the omnipresence of God. I knew that there is only one Mind, and that I could in no way be separated from strength derived from the one Mind. Soon I felt that I would be able to make my way back to the hotel.

Once there, I began studying the Bible Lesson for that week. The subject of the lesson was "Soul." Earlier I had finished reading the August 1984 issue of The Christian Science Journal. This issue included many inspiring articles on our dual pastor—the Bible and the textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mrs. Eddy. The articles emphasized how our pastor is always available to help us, no matter what the difficulty seems to be.

As I began studying the first section of the lesson, a succession of powerful healing truths came to thought. I realized that God's man is spiritual, not material. Therefore in my true nature I was spiritual, complete, and perfect.

The citations from Science and Health included this statement (p. 335): "Soul and Spirit being one, God and Soul are one, and this one never included in a limited mind or a limited body."

Again I knew that my real being was not subject to injury, but was forever perfect and complete. This Bible verse in the first section of the lesson was especially appropriate and comforting (Job 23:11): "My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined."

Through studying the next sections of the lesson I was able to understand better the senses of Spirit, and to receive further assurance that neither accident nor fear could separate me from God's love. Science and Health states (pp. 214-215): "Spirit's senses are without pain, and they are forever at peace. Nothing can hide from them the harmony of all things and the might and permanence of Truth." I remember deeply praying that I be both humble and patient in listening for God's Word and witnessing His healing power.

Further ideas on receptivity to the healing message led me to ponder some of the references in Science and Health to "children" and "childlike trust." A childlike trust is natural to each one of us. As I finished the lesson I felt vibrant strength and peace— qualities I resolved to demonstrate more fully in my daily experience.

One of the final passages in the lesson had included this sentence (Science and Health, p. 248): "Let unselfishness, goodness, mercy, justice, health, holiness, love—the kingdom of heaven— reign within us, and sin, disease, and death will diminish until they finally disappear." These words stayed with me throughout the day.

The following day I spent the morning doing normal activities. But later when it came time for my daily run, a sense of fear was very evident. I questioned whether or not the healing was really complete. Again I acknowledged that God's healing power had been established and that I could not be made to suffer fear. I knew that God is omnipotent and that His love encompasses me. As I left on my run I felt totally confident. Everything went smoothly, for I was completely healed.

It is such a pleasure to know that each day our daily bread has been provided. I am extremely grateful for our dual pastor, the Bible and Science and Health. Through study of these books we can demonstrate the strength to meet and master each challenge with hope and love.

ROBERT S. LEWIS Evergreen, Colorado