I Was raised as a Christian Scientist, but when I reached my early teens I drifted away from Science. One particular instance marked the beginning of my journey back.

I had been troubled by cold sores in my mouth many times, and each time the condition was more severe. I had tried medication and consulted a physician, but these avenues offered only temporary relief. Finally I decided to try Christian Science, because all of my childhood healings in Science had remained permanent.

The particular attack that prompted me to turn to Christian Science impaired both my speaking and eating abilities and was extremely painful. For several days I carried Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy with me, referring to it often. I pondered "the scientific statement of being." The statement begins (p. 468): "There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all." I found that the statement gave me comfort.

After several days, however, when the painful trouble continued, I went to see my mother, almost hysterical from fear. I remember her calmness that day as we talked of God's love for His children and the fact that my true being as His spiritual child could include nothing unlike good.

From that point on I had no more fear. The condition was still apparent, but I knew that God would not abandon me. Two days later I opened Science and Health and read a passage that contains these sentences (p. 503): "Divine Science, the Word of God, saith to the darkness upon the face of error, 'God is All-in-all,' and the light of ever-present Love illumines the universe. Hence the eternal wonder,—that infinite space is peopled with God's ideas, reflecting Him in countless spiritual forms."

Suddenly I was flooded with the presence of everlasting Love. I could understand better the idea of the absolute perfection of God's spiritual creation, which includes all. I was healed! All pain vanished, and shortly all evidence of the condition had disappeared. The healing has been permanent.

As I stated before, this was but the beginning of my journey. Since that time I've been healed numerous times. My healings include those of abdominal cramps, drug abuse, infection, grief, and exhaustion. Most wondrous of all is the character reformation I've experienced. Before coming back into Science, I had indulged in a self-centered, hedonistic life style. Since that time I've been graced with the desire to love humanity and progressively to manifest more Christlike qualities. I love my branch church and have recently completed Christian Science class instruction.

I feel as though I could go on and on about the wonderful blessing of learning to know God.

Susan Nokes
Redondo Beach, California