NO MORE PILLS

Barbara Atteberry

In about 1961, a friend of mine faced many problems that were similar to mine. Then a change seemed to occur in her life—it was less chaotic and solutions were appearing. "What has happened to you?" Her answer was, "Christian Science."

When I attended a service with her, a man there who knew me gave me a copy of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. A few days later I called him, saying we needed to meet. I yelled at him for about two hours! Having been raised in a religion where one could be sent to hell and burn forever, I had a terrible fear of God. God needed to understand I was reading this book, not by my choice, but because I had respected the person who gave it to me—and the louder one shouted, the better one could be heard by God!

Finally, it was his turn. He very quietly urged me to put anything I didn't understand aside for the time being. And he assured me that as I continued to read the book I would understand that it does not say that the Bible isn't true. Even though I was afraid of this book, still I couldn't put it down. I would read at night in the bathroom, after my husband and children were asleep.

At that time, I was very obedient to all medical instructions. I was taking twenty-three pills per day and receiving nine injections per week. One morning a strange thing occurred. It was almost as if I heard a voice say "Put those pills back. You don't need them." All day long I took no medication, and it was a very quiet day, something unfamiliar to me. The following day I was completely panic-stricken. I pleaded with God all day long not to punish me because I had been disobedient, and I took a double does of everything to show my true repentance. But the next day there was a very quiet knowing that I never again would require any medication, and there was a beautiful peace. A week later I packed the car and the children for an out-of-town trip. My husband asked where my suitcase was. It was a special case, packed with emergency medications. My reply was, "I don't need it anymore." He was unwilling to leave without it, however, so I packed it, knowing it would not be needed. And it was not.

Many years ago I walked with a cane, occasionally needing a wheelchair. One foot could not bear my weight, and this condition was diagnosed as gout. Today, in my seventh decade, I teach country and western line dancing, study tap-dancing, and dance four days each week. Through the years there have been many healings in my life, including a full recovery after my car was hit by a truck that ran a stop sign.

And what about "that book"? For me it became a real key for unlocking the spiritual meaning of the Bible. With love and joy I give thanks.

Barbara Atteberry
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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