When a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years touched the border of Jesus' garment and was healed (see Luke 8:43–48), Jesus asked who had touched him. The woman saw the need to acknowledge it was she. I have been blessed many times by reading the testimonies of those who were willing to acknowledge what touching the Christ has meant to them— and I wish to reciprocate.

At one time I thought that happiness came mostly from having a good marriage, and I felt I had one. Then I became interested in studying Christian Science and, at first, so did my husband. Later he felt he could no longer participate in church activity, and said I should follow his decision for myself as well. Had he asked anything else of me, I would have tried to compromise for the sake of harmony; but I felt strongly that church activity was a joyous and necessary part of my developing an understanding of God, and I could not compromise that.

Two years of strained feelings followed, in which I continued being active in church work. Then I was elected Second Reader in my church and accepted the commitment, and the resistance on my husband's part broke; harmony was restored. I discovered that happiness might include a happy marriage, but was not dependent upon one.

The passing on of that dear man at a comparatively early age brought me many challenges. My grief was healed rather quickly, however, through a clear glimpse of the continuity of Life. Knowing that he could not be separated from God, and neither could I, healed the feeling of separation. Gratitude for the love and support of church members just crowded out the sadness.

My life assumed a different orientation—instead of depending upon social activities for companionship, I spent hours of quiet contemplation of the truths revealed in the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings. It was necessary for me to carry on my husband's business for a time, and then to teach school for a year, but my spiritual study was bringing me into the desire to be in the public practice of Christian Science. My attention was drawn to the statement on page 457 of Science and Health: "One cannot scatter his fire, and at the same time hit the mark." I decided not to sign my contract for teaching the next year, and ventured forth into the practice. This brought me a wonderful sense of purpose, true companionship, and sustaining supply.

One of the many physical healings I have had occurred one windy day, when I ran out into the yard to check on the roof of my house. I tripped over an iron object and injured my ankle— it appeared to be broken, although I did not have it diagnosed. I could not put any weight on my foot, and went to bed in considerable pain. In fact, I could only find peace by placing the foot on a pillow.

While I tried to find a bearable position, the thought came to me, "If you really believe what Christian Science teaches about the unfallen nature of man and the falsity of pain in matter, what are you doing with your foot on a pillow?" I gingerly removed the pillow and at the same time the pain disappeared. It took a while longer for the swelling and discoloration to disappear, but from that moment on I was no longer incapacitated.

Another time I experienced a painful condition which, although not physically diagnosed, seemed to be kidney stones. Despite severe attacks of pain from time to time, I was always able to do my work. This continued for several months. I called upon a practitioner friend to help me perceive the nothingness of pain and in this way reach a higher level of spiritual understanding.

One morning I took a strong mental stand, based on a statement from the Christian Science textbook: "Take possession of your body, and govern its feeling and action. Rise in the strength of Spirit to resist all that is unlike good" (Science and Health, p. 393). I called the practitioner for reassurance. As we talked of God's great love for each and every one of His children, I felt something dissolve internally. I knew I was healed. There were a few attacks after that, but they didn't impress me; I knew the completeness of Christian Science healing, and I have been absolutely free of that for many years.

After I had been single for twentysome years, a lovely friendship flowered into a new marriage, which brought mutual sharing and happiness. Later, when I was again widowed, I held strongly to the realization that good comes directly from God and is constant, and doesn't disappear with changing human circumstances. New ways of expressing Love came into my life, and I can only feel great humility and appreciation for all that God has done for me through Christian Science.

Aneeta Peterson Baker
Park Ridge, Illinois