When I was studying at university I suffered from severe headaches that were medically diagnosed as sinusitis, which I was told is a recurring condition. I went to a doctor to find relief and antibiotics were prescribed. These I took, but the pain continued and another ailment started up that seemed to be a side effect of the medication. In exasperation I opted not to resort to further use of medicine, and I recall wishing that there were some better way.

When I was introduced to Christian Science about a year later and received a copy of the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, I read it with enthusiasm for what it taught of God and of prayer. Wonderful experiences greeted me each day as I digested some measure of the truths shared in this book. The declaration that these religious teachings healed sickness seemed almost incidental in light of the spiritual insight I felt pouring into thought.

When early signs of the sinusitis threatened some time later, I felt a fear of a return of this condition. But I found myself praying quietly, arguing mentally against the grounds for fear in view of what I was learning in Science of divine Love's allness. The condition failed to reappear at that time, but the dread of the disease hadn't yet been overcome.

Later I did come down with the same symptoms I had experienced at college. But it actually was a joy in itself not to be facing the prospect of reliance on the medication or of its possible side effects. I continually prayed to understand something of the illusory nature of disease in light of the presence of God's perfect spiritual creation. I also engaged the prayerful help of a Christian Science practitioner.

On a Wednesday evening I attended the testimony meeting at the branch church at which I was a regular visitor. The pain seemed intense, but while I was talking with a member after the service, we shared some of the insights we had gained in Christian Science. I felt the presence of—the reality of—Love right there where I was. I gained a new sense of the illegitimacy of sickness in our experience.

In the following days, as I made a conscious effort not to accept the pain as an excuse to avoid being helpful or productive, the pain faded away completely. That was some years ago, and neither the sinusitis nor the fear of the condition has returned. There have been, however, joyous side effects to relying on the divine medicine of Mind; namely, a natural desire instilled within me to progress into active church membership, which in turn has brought many unanticipated blessings.

At every glimpse of the reality of God, Spirit, and of the nothingness of matter, I stand in awe at what Christian Science has achieved on behalf of humanity. Science and Health states (p. xi): "When God called the author to proclaim His Gospel to this age, there came also the charge to plant and water His vineyard." Mrs. Eddy accepted this task with unselfish love. Through her writings and their insistence on demonstration, I have been brought into an ever-increasing gratitude for the words, works, and Way-showing of Christ Jesus. Life "hid with Christ in God" is truly wondrous!

Tony Lobl
London, England