Until next year...

While brimming over with thoughts I want to share on this blog, have another project at the moment, so they'll keep until 2009. But do want to thank all you people who have made this endeavor successful, so full of joy and blessing--to me above all else. Since mid-September when this began, have held to something one of Mary Baker Eddy's household workers at Chestnut Hill, MA--Martha Wilcox-- pointed out. And this is it, in essence: every right idea comes from God, the One Mind, and carries with it activity and power. (An un-diluting metaphysician there for sure!) And what could be more right than presenting to mankind our love for Christ and Christian Science?

I realize the Internet has its downside, with predators trolling it who are after people's money and/or their bodies. A lot of trash out there. But what an avenue for reaching "the globe's remotest bounds", as page 559 in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures has it. To feel inspiration, then post it, and have readers reached almost at once is a marvelous thing. And as I was just reading in Prose Works this week, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science would approve the Internet's right uses, I feel sure. On page 345 of First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, Mrs. Eddy says of modern inventions, "They light the way to the Church of Christ. We use them, we make them our figures of speech. They are preparing the way for us."

So, in signing off for a few days, I would encourage other of my fellow Christian Scientists to consider starting their own blog. It has vast potential for spreading the glorious Word of God. And for furthering the teachings of our dear Master, Christ Jesus, as given with such reverence through divine Science.

One last thought: for anyone launching a blog, you will need to pray for it/defend it mentally/cherish it. There are, unfortunately, those out there who visit such sites as this every single day to interfere with it and shut it down. This is to be expected where Christ is active. But anything God-given, God-approved, God-supported will go on blessing those who are ready for the good we have to share.

May the New Year be your most blessed and productive!

Why it is disease unreal

Queen Elizabeth I, as she sat in a church service one morning, was reputed to have called out: "To your text, Preacher!' Of course, she could do this without endangering her head. Thinking about the text I've chosen, trust I shall keep to it in this blog.

Having been in more than one discussion with those who have scoffed at what Christian Scientists contend -- the unreality of physical difficulties -- I have thought much about this. And the following words from Mary Baker Eddy's "Unity of Good", pages 9 and 10 have been one of my back-ups. She explains, "What is the cardinal point of the difference in my metaphysical system? This: that by knowing the unreality of disease, sin, and death, you demonstrate the allness of God. This difference wholly separates my system from all others. The reality of these so-called existences I deny, because they are not to be found in God, and this system is built on Him as the sole cause. It would be difficult to name any previous teachers, save Jesus and his apostles, who thus have taught."

Now, someone might be thinking, well, all this sounds good. But is it practical? Yes, it is. Not only have I proved it time and time again with various bodily challenges, but I'll cite another healing from my own family. I have mentioned my mother and what brought her into the study of Christian Science. It was, as I have said, a remarkable healing by all accounts.

Some time later, she began to experience a condition that needed to be met through Christ healing. She was leaving a Christian Science lecture one afternoon, where the power-house speaker had made clear the fact of man's true and only state as God's perfect child. He had discussed in detail what the first chapter of the Bible brings out, about man having been made in God's own likeness, in the likeness of Spirit--not matter. And something he said, to the effect that disease not having been created by God, good, it was in fact untrue, unreal, non-existent, so lit up her thought, that as she was walking back up the aisle out of that hall, she felt the healing taking place. She knew healing was going on, and so it proved. By the next day, the physical evidence that had seemed so real for so long had almost faded into nothing. And it was only a day or two longer she told us that the whole thing was as though it had never been. Which of course it had not, in reality. She said, in recounting this experience, I had some sense of what the lepers must have felt like when Jesus healed them!

So, not just airy words, this assertion of Christian Science that disease is unreal. To believe otherwise would be to deny God's perfect creation, and to see ourselves a way He did not make us. As a practitioner friend of mine says to patients, if you can find it in the first chapter of the Bible, then I'll believe it. As Genesis 1:31 states: "And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good."

This is a vast subject, and can't be dealt with wholly in this brief blog post. But this may be a stepping-stone for someone getting a higher understanding of how it is that disease is actually unreal.

The textbook can sort it out

And by textbook, I mean Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, the book Christian Scientists study in accord with the Holy Bible. A few lines on something that came up in a conversation the other day, with a lady who doesn't like "filling my body with all those chemicals and drugs" as she put it. But feels so steeped in medicine, so dependent upon it, that she doesn't think she could turn to Christian Science for her health and well-being. She regulary tells me, you are so healthy!

What I shared with her, I'll share with you. My mother who was suffering greatly from a condition kind doctors could not cure, though they tried for years and years, was talking to a neighbor one day who had noticed the suffering this young mother with two infants was going through. She happened to mention that many people had been healed through reading "Science and Health" and that she might like to have this book. Immediately mother told the woman, but I just could not give up all my medicine. The woman wisely said, don't feel pressured about doing this right now. Just take this book, begin reading, and let it all get sorted out. You may find that Christian Science is the thing for you, you may not. Just go along as you are, and it can get resolved for you. Well, would you know, that problem that had plagued her since high school disappeared! She was overjoyed with this dramatic healing. Guess what she did? Threw out all the pills and never looked back. And an enduring blessing for me is that I was brought up with no fear of getting sick. Just never entered my mind. Her freedom from fear and thinking about disease and expecting it was gone. And what a legacy for her children.

And lastly, will share a wonderful experience I had with God's mighty curative power when I was in the first grade. Was playing out in the backyard, happened to come down a swing set with bare feet onto a razor-sharp, unsealed tin can. It went almost through to the top of my foot. The neighbor ran around and got my father who picked me up and carried me into the house. Instantly, mother called a Christian Science practitioner to begin praying for me. She asked my father, who was not a follower of her religion, if he gave his permission which he did. It does sound nearly unbelievable but I felt God's presence, felt no fear, actually felt a cozy, cared-for sense I recall. The foot was washed and wrapped up in cloth. The bleeding stopped almost at once, mother later said. The next day I could put some weight on that foot, which had had not one stitch inserted, no medical attention whatsoever. And I was back in school, walking about normally within three days. Is it any wonder I feel such gratitude for God's healing help as made available to the world through the teachings of Christian Science!

The Discoverer and Founder of my religion points out in the textbook on page 217: "That scientific methods are superior to others, is seen by their effects." I can say Amen to this!

God has need of you

In talking with a friend yesterday who has sent out what seems to him a thousand resumes with not one response, was understandably thinking, what am I'm going to do for work? This blog post came as a result of our conversation. Hope it helps someone out there. As a friend of mine in the UK has said, God is more interested in our availability than our ability. I like this thought.

And picking up on it, one who is faced with the need for gainful employment can get so focused on getting a call for an interview/ getting a job offer/ getting a salary that he misses out on something essential. Which is, how can I be more useful to God and my fellowman? How can I give? How can I serve?

Two spiritual truths have been of great help to me when one activity ceased and I wasn't sure was the next step was.

In the New Testament our Master says--no, Jesus commands--"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
This is found in Luke, chapter 6.

And Mary Baker Eddy points out in her Message to her Church, 1901: "...rest assured you can never lack God's outstretched arm so long as you are in His service

The key thing here is getting the "giving", the "serving" part ahead of the "what's in it for me?" part. And God does need you, my friend, to serve Him in so many ways. He truly does, though this may seem too good to be true, especially to someone new to Christ and Christian Science.


If someone is hearing about Christian Science for the first time (and I'm sure people are, the Internet reaching far and wide the way it does) it may be helpful for me to introduce some ideas you may never have thought of. The teachings of this religion ,which was founded to reinstate the words and works of Christ Jesus, bring out that you and I and everyone else actually exist to bear witness to God, our Maker, to reflect Him in everything we do. Further, Christian Science, along with Jesus' teaching that the kingdom of God is already within us, states that we are His loved and needed expression, that our purpose is spiritual; therefore it is always intact. Whatever happens -- or doesn't happen -- in the human scene has no effect on this, if we realize it. This puts greater usefulness and productivity within immediate reach. God needs all of us to express His nature and being, and in fact that's why He created us. Opportunity to lead a fuller and richer life can't really be absent. And once a person realizes this, it causes things to move.

A last thought: I recall somewhere in the Old Testament is a statement to the effect, "Here I am, O Lord: send me". Don't know exactly where this is, but if any of you know, let me know in a comment. But it is the spirit in this that gets results, the willingness to be useful to God in the way He will open up. As that friend puts it, being available for God's use.

Losing fear of loss

In an earlier posting, I said the theme of turning back to God might well be one I would return to time and again, and in a way, this one fills the bill. Feeling awash in gratitude this morning for the infinite number of priceless raindrops--like diamonds to me--in Tennessee which still needs God's largess in this area. want to put down some thoughts about the pervasive fear of loss too many have right now.

Not surprisingly, am hearing from folks across a wide spectrum about the economy, from those in despair all the way to people sober and realizing they need perhaps to be more wise in their spending habits. Those at the panicky end of things, who have already lost a job and are understandably worrried, to those who have been through the wilderness and have learned to look to God alone for good, these comments center on Him as the Giver of all good. It is a hard lesson to learn, turning away from dependence on people, positions, stocks, bonds--you name it. But it does come sooner or later, and it looks like millions are being given the opportunity in these times. Some will be receptive to what I share, and the comments you are inspired to make to help them out.

I can never be grateful enough to God for the words and works of our blessed Master, Christ Jesus, who never relied on anything or anyone but his loving Father, and who said plainly: "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Sermon on the Mount) And for the teachings of Christian Science, replete with wonderfully strengthening statements of divine truths that have lifted me out of fear of losing something good many times in my life.

In my spiritual journey over many years from turning to a clinging dependence on others, and always thinking, what if so and so doesn't come through, what if I lose this job, to absolutely knowing beyond a doubt that my well-being is in God's hands--bar no human circumstance whatever--I can tell anyone that it can be done. If God, Who is no respecter of persons and is the same loving Father yesterday, today, and forever can do this for me, He can do the same for anyone willing to knuckle down metaphysically and rise to the spiritual level required. The benefits in joy and peace of mind and plenty to bless others with, make the work required well worth it.

Our next-door neighbor said yesterday, if I had one dollar for every leaf I've raked, I'd be rich. One could not count autumn leaves in just one season. Likewise, God's supply is beyond counting, as are the channels He has for directing good to us. I've often thought, if there were not infinite avenues available for His supply to reach us, He could make new ones in an instant.

Probably will come back to this blog and refine, or add thoughts as they come. But I know many of you will want to make your needed contribution in comments, and I look forward to reading what you have to share. Thanks ahead of time, my friends!

Knowledge that heals

In thinking about some of the comments people have made on my "Obedience will cost us", the following comes to thought to share. Speaking for myself (and no doubt countless others around the world), knowing that I have through the teachings of Christian Science a means of gaining some of the spiritual knowledge our Master had and healed by fills me with awe. The conviction I have about this is on solid rock. There have been over the years some downright venomous expressions of feelings against both my religion and its Discoverer and Founder, Mary Baker Eddy. But I'm grateful to God for the strengthening and seasoning in standing up for what has blessed me and mine so enormously.

Came across in my morning reading of Prose Works by our Leader this from "First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany", page 190 where she states:

"Christians who accept our Master as authority, regard his sayings as infallible...Jesus gave his disciples (students) power over all manner of diseases; and the Bible was written in order that all peoples, in all ages, should have the same opportunity to become students of the Christ, Truth, and thus become God-endued with power (knowledge of divine law) and with 'signs following.' Jesus declared that his teaching and practice would remain, even as it did, 'for them also which shall believe on me through their word.' Then, in the name of God, wherefore vilify His prophets to-day who are fulfilling Jesus' prophecy and verifying his last promise, 'Lo, I am with you alway'? It were well for the world if there survived more of the wisdom of Nicodemus of old, who said, 'No man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.'"

Winter dusk

Since some of my regular readers enjoy poems, am putting on this crisp December morning with the stars still out, a poem originally published in a New England poetry magazine, the Aurorean, 1997...



"Winter dusk"



I love December days

When it's nearly dark,

When, eager, I await the hour

To go out in twilight's chill,

Up the big hill,

Then down our long street

To the cul-de-sac

And back.



Deepest-blue sky

Soon turns to black.

What glorious solitude --

Companioned by only

Serene bright host overhead,

And big black dog underfoot.

Obedience will cost us

One thing does seem to lead to another, and just after my most recent posting, began thinking of something along the same lines, namely, that doing what Jesus lays out for us will cost us plenty. If someone says following the Master is easy, then he or she just isn't doing it. It is a hard way, but the only way to go.

Couldn't help recalling an experience I had when we lived in the Boston area. I was working at the Church Center at the time, and was having a difficult time with a supervisor who I felt sure, had it in for me. Made my life not happy. About this time, while reading the Sermon on the Mount came to something that stopped me cold and it is where Jesus talks about forgiveness. I felt the time had come for me to get serious about this. I needed to forgive this person. But I just couldn't. While waiting for the train out to Wellesley, remember walking up and down that platform in actual tears, telling God, ask me to do anything else. But not this! Needless to say, over time I did make the grade, rose to the level I needed to be at spiritually, forgave from my heart. And we ended up friends, and I felt her absence when she retired.

In her article titled "Fidelity" Miscellaneous Writings, page 342, that follower of Christ Jesus, Mary Baker Eddy points out: "Seek Truth, and pursue it. It should cost you something: you are willing to pay for error and receive nothing in return; but if you pay the price of Truth, you shall receive all."

Do I think of myself as having reached land on doing what God required of us through Christ? Not even has land been sighted, in a way. But what a glorious adventure it is with self. And it can bring about healings of physical difficulties.

A case in point: a friend of mine, a former Marine, told me recently that for some time he had a troublesome problem with one arm. Nothing he could do metaphysically through his understanding of Christian Science alleviated the problem totally. Just nagged at him. Then one day he saw in some military publication the name of someone he had served with, who he felt had wronged him terribly. They had quite a blow-up on the ship one day and he had carried hard feelings toward this man. Well, he wrote him a nice letter, asked him for forgiveness for the things he said about him. The man wrote back a nice letter, and the whole thing was erased. The upshot: the impaired arm was made right and he has had no more trouble with it! This shows what conformity to Christ can do for us. There is a cost in putting self aside for obedience to Jesus' commands, but the reward is sure.

Shaking off complacency

In thinking about a comment "Presently...anonymous" made about getting God back into things in the American government, and I do agree, want to say two things this beautiful winter morning: I appreciate the excellent thinking this commenter is doing and it's fine with me if I never know who it is! Blogs are exciting when there is such interaction, and who is making a contribution isn't the important thing, in my view.

Second, if there is anything in this world I am motivated to do it is lead people's thoughts to God through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. And this includes those of my own religious faith--especially so in too many instances these days. As Jesus says, no man cometh unto the Father but by him. So, my ongoing work is clear. The following lines have come to thought, so will share and hope something in them may offer someone out there something to ponder. Then act on!


"Shaking Off Complacency"

While settled down
with the status quo,
how is a Christian Scientist
really going to grow?

It's not a bad thing
to feel stirred, contrite,
when it's God doing it;
it can get ourselves right.

A self-satisfied Christian
doesn't deserve the name.
Let it not be said of us
that we are the same.

Though the most loving
man that walked the earth,
Jesus would have challenged
us for all we are worth.

Walking along with Him
on some dustry road,
would I have "manned" up,
and taken the goad?

Or have been offended
at the needed jolt,
and walked no more--
choosing instead to bolt?

That we'd have gone
with Him all the way,
we hope we would have,
but cannot truly say.

So, let me give more thought
to walking the Christly walk,
and much less to merely
talking Scriptural talk.

Jesus said the labourers
out there are few.
And one can't do much
while refusing to do.

Of course. the Word must
have believers, yes.
But Christ's work needs
doers, if it is to be done.

Are Jesus' poignanat words less
binding than when spoken?
Don't they need from us assent,
more than just token?

Hmmmmmmmm?

With friends like you!

A word or two in appreciation for the support so many of you are showing in my blogging endeavor. I thought when it was started mid-September of this year that I was fired up for Christ and Christian Science. But that was nothing to compare to what I feel right now. I welcome your comments/feedback. Even dissenting views which is what a blog is for, after all, in my view. The only thing I will not countenance is a disparaging remark about God (can't imagine it!), or Christ Jesus, or the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science. Or, as I pointed out early on in an entry, people who might think they can dissuade me from following the teachings of divine Science. Or turn me against Mary Baker Eddy. This has been tried, and failed at, several times. So I say to any one out there, it cannot be done. Even by those sincere people who are, in their minds, trying to save me from going to hell. They're worried about my soul. One friend of mine who turned away from CS tried over a period of years to get me to follow her out the door. She loves Jesus and I respect her for this. But we have had to part ways on the larger issue of Christian Science and my intention to stay with it.

So once again, I thank you for the heartfelt support you are showing. Having friends like you, I am very blessed.

Remarkable women

Ever since I read Nicholas Kristoff's column in The New York Times on Thanksgiving Day concerning a remarkable Pakistani woman, have been thinking about other outstanding women who have put the welfare of others far above their own, even their own safety. Won't summarize this piece for you, but I was both humbled and inspired by reading it. And I've told the author so.

Not surprising, heading up my list of remarkable women has to be the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy. The gratitude I feel for her monumental achievements in blessing mankind is ongoing. Far more than just a lone woman who overcame human obstacles, a women's libber if you will--the way Boston has tried to portray her--the avenues she established through God's direction and survived in doing so by leaning on Him, are still blessing people around the globe. I am in her debt, and happy to be so.

But to my next example of someone head and shoulders above many is my friend Betty, a fellow Tennessean and a Journal listed practitioner. I only just learned that it was she who made the comment on one of my entries, "Turning back to God" about the movement being dead but the Cause continuing. This has sparked much comment around the world, and she needs credit for it. This lady thinks for herself, has a clear sense of what is right about our Cause, and what is wrong. And she does not hesitate to say so, to patients or those in authority. It is always a shot in the arm for me to talk with her about serious issues concerning Christian Science. Some weeks ago I wrote a poem in tribute to her and well, let me give it here:

"Want to Hear Something Good?"


I have a friend here in town,
Betty, who does this habitually,
who when a bank teller or store
clerk says, "Have a good day"
replies substantially:
I know I will. God gave me
this good day, and I don't intend
to pollute it with fear or anger
or ingratitude or feeling down.
I'm going to appreciate this
day God has given
to all His children.
It's up to me to decide
what I'm going to do with it.

Now, you might be thinking,
Ah, she just ignores real issues,
thinks about things superficially.
She ought to have my problems!
This woman's challenges are such
that I would not want to, indeed,
could not, walk in her shoes
for a single day.
But she leans on God
in every way,
and He brings her through.

(Just thought I'd share
this with you.)

Note to my Readers

As some of you have expressed to me that you would like to identify yourself on my blog, but prefer to have your comments private, I have decided to give you my email address which is: shslhowell@aol.com

Or, if you have access to The Christian Science Journal you can find me under "Tennessee", as I am a listed practitioner. I can understand that if you have comments of a sensitive nature regarding our Cause, or wish to express thoughts that are more personal, you would like this to be between you and me, and not viewed by the whole world.

Your feedback is valued, and I look forward to receiving it, whichever way you choose to give it.

What the world is hungry for

Of course, countless men, women and children around the world need bread. Of course, they do. But it is my feeling that they need to hear the teachings of Christ Jesus more. Two small experiences recently bring this home to me:

We were walking our dogs in a local park as we regularly do when a young girl jogged by us. We had seen her before but this day, she turned back and said: "You don't know what your happy faces do for me!" Total surprise as we didn't know she needed to see some joy expressed. Caused us to feel humble and glad we were of some uplift to a person in need. Subsequently, we had opportunities to share just what it is that she felt those mornings, that it is love for Jesus' words that give us such joy in life. Turns out she, too, is quite religious. And one of these mornings, I intend to introduce Christian Science to her , just to give it credit for helping me understand Jesus' words and works, helping me with the challenges that inevitably arise in everyone's life.

The second heart-warming experience involves a librarian from Cardiff, Wales. She had received one of my books, and a poem in it, admittedly fervent for Christ Jesus, so touched her that she said in an email it has made her want to get back to the New Testament and read all Jesus said and did! Nothing I could have done could have brought about this result, certainly not being motivated to change someone, or get something for myself in return. No, it was, however slight it may be at this point, loving the Master's words, and making the effort to put them into practice. To know this woman's heart was warmed toward Christ means the world to me.



Both these instances show that people are hungering for what God alone has to give through His Holy Son, Christ Jesus. And to think that you and I are privileged to help feed the world's hunger in this heavenly work of loving and living Jesus' words.

Grateful

"You may have a

Daughter somewhere

who is more grateful

to You than I am,"

I tell my heavenly Father.




"But I doubt it",

I always tell Him.


(c) By: Sharon Slaton Howell
Originally published 2006

Travel Outside His Presence? Impossible

(Reading a fuller account just now in The New York Times of the Mumbai terrorist attack, as well as thinking of all the extra travel many of us will be doing this Thanksgiving holiday, the following lines have come to thought...)


When we have a trip to make,
whether we drive, fly or sail,
it isn't necessary to have
with us a security detail.

We can feel protected
wherever we need to go.
We can feel God's presence,
and complete safety know.

Jeremiah 23:24 has God asking,
"Do not I fill heaven and earth?"
One can depend on this
for all he or she is worth.

This assures me that
His help is at hand
wherever we happen to
go throughout the land.

Perpetually at work
is God's power divine,
to oversee and guard
your precious life and mine.

How comforting to think
God is with us everywhere;
it isn't possible to be
outside His loving care.

Turning back to God, Part 2

I almost think there will be many parts to what I posted originally on getting back to our God. While driving back from breakfast this Friday morning, do you know what thought came clearly? Our Cause is in the hands of angels! Have no idea just why this came, nor fully what it means. But it came, and I'm passing it along. Men (and one woman) cannot destroy what God is upholding, can they?

And another brief mention of something I read in the Wall Street Journal last night that bears on what we're thinking about--and doing--turning back to God. Daniel Henniger has the most riveting piece called "Mad Max and the Meltdown." Look it up on the Internet if you're inclined, or get a copy of the paper. I won't quote him directly, but oh what a vivid writer. Such talent, as I told him in a glowing letter written some weeks ago. But the gist of his timely, fresh, attention-grabbing article is this: America is in the trouble it's in because of one thing: the de-religizing of everything, being ashamed and feeling it politically incorrect to even utter the phrase, Merry Christmas. I couldn't agree more. As he says plainly, when a country gets to this point, it is in serious difficulty.

Then swing the discussion over to our Church. Can you not see the parallels? Of course you can. I certainly can. So let us do our best for our God and get Christ Jesus front and center in our beloved Christian Science once more!

Turning back to God

After doing something yesterday on a lighter note, my little ode to a tree stump, feel inspired to tackle something all important. This comes from a fine two-hour program we saw last night on PBS, "Secrets of the Bible". Perhaps many of you saw it, too. But what brought tears to our eyes--no kidding--was when the Israelites once and for all turned from their idol worship back to the one God, who loved them greatly and was due their undivided loyalty. If this isn't any understatement! One of the most moving scenes for me was the depiction of Ezra reading from the 5 books of the Bible to a group listening intently, intent henceforth on doing what God required of them. A thrill ran through me, I can tell you. And it brought to thought the situation I spoke about several days ago--the blatant paganism in our movement, the bowing the knee to it by those who should know better. Pardon if this just pours out, the way a friend who once worked with me in Boston said my writing tends to do. So be it.

But let us ask ourselves: is there anything more crucial than standing up for our wonderful God, helping others get the courage to do so, acknowledging Him as the Giver of all worth having, working for His influence, doing all we can to wake others up from their idol worship? One of the greatest sadnesses I've witnessed the past few years as Boston has gone off the track and instituted things that weaken and destroy what Mary Baker Eddy gave us are those teachers and practitioners who should have taken a stand, and have not. One cannot but wonder, are they serving individuals--or God? I know the argument is, well I would lose my listing/my pupils/my salary. I have heard it all, and I understand the reasoning. But I just cannot admire it at all. Where is their allegiance, for His dear sake?! Let me tell you, one is not truly free until he's willing to lose those things, feeling God is much more important. Once a person reaches that freedom, God can really use him.

One of the most inspiring activities I was involved in when I lived in the Boston area was visiting the world-class Boston Public Library--founded in 1848, the first public library in America and still the largest--and reading the lives of great religious thinkers and doers. I would come away from those sessions, many in the rare book section, so inspired I could hardly stand myself. Especially thrilling and humbling-to-the-floor were the men who risked their all to give us the Word of God in English. They paid dearly for it, were burned up for their efforts. And in William Tyndale's case when I'm tucked in in a toasty bed these nights, said he suffered greatly from the cold stone floor of the dungeon they had him in prior to the stake. He asked pitifully in a letter to a friend if they could give him some covering as he had on only light clothing. Can we imagine even that much standing up for God? This is the primary reason I love public free libraries and have as one of my ongoing charities helping them in any way I can afford. What one reads in them can change a life, give courage, inspire a better life, a life lived not for self, but for others' welfare.

I know, and many of my friends know, that writing letters, asking what on earth is going on, brings no answers that satisfy. We have tried, and gotten nowhere. Actually, have been treated in a way life-long church members should not be treated. But that's all behind now. What we've seen going on, the incline toward Oprah-izing our movement, watering down the periodicals, trying every experiment to interest the carnal mind (not working, is it?) has just strengthened us to stand up for Him as we never have. And I thank our dear loving Father for having this blog to do some tiny part in it. And though it has just gotten underway, is having an effect, which is His doing.

Two last things and I think I'm done on this, for now: just finished reading Jesus' words marked in red in one of my Bibles and my goodness, it was sobering, sobering, sobering as to what will happen to those who persist in evil. I can say with all Christly love in my heart, I do pray that those in authority, even if just one does it, will say, as God is my witness, I am going to disavow the evil and do what's right--cost me what it may. I'll end with something the Leader of the Christian Science movement writes: "Some people never repent, until earth gives them such a cup of gall that conscience strikes home; then they are brought to realize how impossible it is to sin and not suffer." This from her article titled "Reformers." (Miscellaneous Writings, page 237)

Tree stump, full of charm

Of your kind, I've seen quite a few,

But you, tree stump full of charm,

Take home the prize.

We stumbled upon you

Our last trek through the forest,

Through autumn-thinned foliage,

Now visible to nature lovers' eyes --

About three feet high,

Bright green moss

growing here and there,

English ivy up one side,

The cutest toadstools at your base,

Weather-sculpted crevices

Where God's tiny creatures

must love to abide.

Nature is filled with

Such objects of delight!

You've got personality,

Kid.

Score one for Christ

When criticism gives way to compassion.
score one for Christ.

When angry frowns melt into loving smiles,
score one for Christ.

When living for self-enrichment
rises to living to give,
score one for Christ.

When "I'm always right" bows low
before humility,
score one for Christ.

When coldness toward someone who
has wronged us, sees the rightness
of "How can I help that person?"
score one for Christ.

When wanting to get even
bends the knee to
"Peace on earth,
good will to men",
score one for Christ.

One could go on and on,
but in all of these,
"self" goes down to defeat
and Christ gets the victory.

Angels all around

One sees here and there angels,
some carved in stone,
placed back in shrubbery,
standing there alone,

or perhaps used as an
aid in landscaping,
sitting on a bench,
or a birdbath draping.

But that His helpers are
even closer to us
is eternal, unchanging fact --
a thought most glorious.

"For he shall give his angels
charge over thee,
to keep thee in all thy ways"
in Psalms 91:11 we see.

Holy messengers of His!
How comforting to know
that God accompanies us
wherever we may go.

Yes, we are promised
this in all our ways.
What security this affords,
all our nights and days.

God's angels with us mean
not only daily protection;
but so needful to us all,
certain, timely direction.

And even in those times
when events make us grieve,
these tender helpers of His
our side never, ever leave.

To think, these holy beings
are always at our side,
to bless us immensely,
to comfort, guard and guide.

Defective eyesight healed -- 21st century

I, among many, have found enormous inspiration from the healings given in the last 100 pages of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. These people from all walks of life, with myriad challenges facing them--some dire--were delivered from their suffering from just reading and thinking about the divine truths in this wonderful book. And many of the healings related are about eye problems of varying descriptions. I have heard people say, well that was in the late 1800's or early 1900's. What about Christian Science healing these days? Give me an up-to-date example of what your religion can do. I am happy to do so.

Just had a phone call from a friend I hadn't talked with in a long while and what she shared was most uplifting to me, and may prove so to some of you reading this blog. In her office work, found it necessary to start wearing glasses. She wore glasses for some years. During this time, she pored over the Christian Science textbook mentioned above, just to get an deeper understanding of her relationship to God as His spiritual, perfect child. There was no thought of reading and praying in order to heal flawed eyesight, this woman told me, but just to grow in spiritual understanding. Well, very recently this student of Christian Science was able to lay off glasses completely! Just didn't need them anymore. Of course, she was overjoyed at this further proof ( she has had many during years of studying Christian Science) of just what God can do for us when we gain a knowledge of the Christianly scientific truths our Master, Christ Jesus, knew.

So yes, Christian Science is healing in this day and age. And it is doing so from just thoughtfully reading Mary Baker Eddy's masterwork.

Safe and sound

(With the news, locally and nationally, full of reports of home invasions by those who feel desperate for things to steal and sell, composed the following poem which has thoughts that give me a sense of God's presence. Hope it is helpful to some of you...)


Our Master's words,
what shield and stay.
They go with us,
guard us through day,

and nighttime, too --
not just reading same,
but living to honor
the Name above every name.

Made of mere mortal man,
no security detail
can do what Christ does:
keep us safe without fail.

In John 14:23 Jesus states:
"If a man love me, he will
keep my words;" and he went
on to say, "and my Father will
love him, and we will come unto
him and make our abode with him."

Living the Word has been,
and it will ever be,
the true test of one
who is Christ's totally.

Our Saviour will not let
His very own be overcome.
We've seen many times,
and not just some,

that those who live Jesus'
words enjoy protection;
not only this, but the
Father's eternal affection.

What He does for us

While raking wet leaves just now, after what Mary Baker Eddy terms "the treasures of rain" (Prose Works) down here in the South where we need every drop--a lot of rain Friday!--two things come to mind:

First, I was thanking God over and over for the way He resolved a business situation just this week. I still want to get down on my knees in gratitude for the way He can work.! Wednesday evening, knowing a decision would have to be made very soon, I began to be troubled by niggling thoughts of what if this happens? what if it turns out to be much more complicated and that happens? What of the potential consequences for me and others if the deal falls through? Of course, being a student of Christian Science all my life, I prayed about this, really worked metaphysically to know many of the truths I had known before with good results. Peace of mind did come when I really felt God was in charge and as Jesus says, knows our need before we ask Him. Slept like a baby all night I'm happy to report. Then the next morning, quite unexpectedly, made a phone call, was led to take human steps, and voila, the solution presented itself within the hour, with kind, knowledgable people so helpful! I could scarcely believe it happened so fast. Was overjoyed. Wanted to stop the car on the way back, and bow down to the ground in nearly tearful thanks at what He had done.
So much for this proof of what He can do and does for those who trust in Him.

Now, the next thought that might be of help to some reading this blog. And oh how I thank God that it has opened up as a way to share. If anyone wishes to use this as a way to give a testimony, please feel free. As you know, you do not have to put your name, if that feels better for you, and you just want to express your thanks for Christian Science. And know it will be on its way instantly for who knows who somewhere across the world to be blessed by reading. How I am enjoying the freedom of this blog in that I do not have to send in things to Boston, have it over edited (to me) and then wait and wait and wait for it to go out to the world in need of inspiration. For years, as many of you know, I did publish much through the periodicals, but two things made this not right for me. First, when a poem I sent in was mangled by someone who shouldn't have been doing poems in the first place. I did let it go through to publication, thinking as so many others have, better half a loaf than nothing. Perhaps one tiny spark of inspiration will help someone. Then, an article for the Journal back in 2001 I refused to let be published as the metaphysics were so watered down. Was just not me at all. A helpful friend in Journal Sentinel Editorial went to bat for me, got some CS restored, and it was published. But with the watering down of my pieces for the new Sentinel beginning in l998 (had people tell me, this just isn't the Sharon Howell I used to read) , this tore it for me. Just couldn't go there anymore. While I have submitted no prose pieces for the Journal or Sentinel, did send in 3 or 4 poems in the past couple of years. However, as I would not have let one hair on their heads be touched, probably wouldn't have worked out for publication and God took care of it by their being rejected. So, God opened up other channels that have blessed me and people around the world.

That's all from me this perfectly beautiful Saturday morning from scenic Tennesee. You have a wonderful, God-inspired and directed day, my dear friends.

From Jesus Himself

To those who have told me in just the past 24 hours, I would love to not be afraid to stand up for what I know deep down is right, just have to share with you something wonderful! Just opened my Bible to this: "Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not they peace. For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city."
(Acts l8:9, 10)

Does it not fill us with awe that it was Jesus who uttered these bracing words?! Need we any more encouragement than this?! Speaking up for what's pure and holy and God-given--and doing so in Christly love--(always it must be done in Christly love), will bring God's blessings beyond anything we can imagine.

The Name

JESUS!...The Name

above every other name,

at the sound of which

we find our hearts flame;

and we want the whole world

to praise God that Jesus came.

Life is a serious business;

it is joyous,but not a game --

it's living to love and honor our King,

and helping others do the same.

Heaven --here and now

(Having just had a conversation with one of my dear Christian friends on the topic of heaven, bless her heart, feel inspired this lovely October 30th morning to put down some thoughts on same.)

Because so many people have not been taught the joy and practicality of developing their spiritual sense, they deprive themselves of a better and happier life, looking to some future heaven to provide them with fulfillment and happiness.

But Christian Science shows that it is unnecessary for any of us to wait before experiencing happiness, health, and well-being. You and I do not have to postpone good to some future time -- we receive it from God and reflect it now. God, divine Love, is constantly bestowing on His spiritual likeness, man, blessings that are satisfying and unending.

And just think of Christ Jesus who, when he was approached by someone in need, did not refer that person to a future paradise. Instead, the Master blessed the receptive seeker right then and there. Did he not say in Luke (17:21) "Behold, the kingdom of God is within you"? When we sincerely open our thoughts to the ever-present Christ, Truth, we are given the spiritual ideas to meet our present human need. Whether for a job, companionship, safety, a place to live, or release from pain or suffering.

And think about this, if you will. Does a loving human parent -- aware of his children's needs --intentionally withhold good? How much more, then, may we expect from our heavenly Father, infinite, ever-present, divine Love! Mary Baker Eddy, who discovered and founded Christian Science, writes in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures on page 494: "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need."

So many people out there consider existence a matter of sometimes "having" and more often of "not having." They mentally accept discord and deprivation, expecting and receiving only occasional benefits. They are taught to look to heaven as the only place where they will find constant good. I find this so sad. But the kingdom of God, all good, is within us. We already possess the joys of heaven--here and now. As Christian Science points out, the only change we have to make is from our acceptance of a mortal, solitary, incomplete sense of existence to the acknowledgment of spiritual existence, immortal, Godlike.

In that book I mentioned by Mrs. Eddy is this statement (page 171): "Through discernment of the spiritual opposite of materiality, even the way through Christ, Truth, man will reopen with the key of divine Science the gates of Paradise which human beliefs have closed, and will himself unfalllen, upright, pure and free."

Many men and women I personally know who had unknowingly resigned themselves to a life of pain, lack, despair, or unhappiness have found to their great joy that heavenly good is possible here and now. Through the teachings of Christian Science they have successfully eliminated mental barries to health, harmony and freedom.

Waking up to the divine fact that we are in heaven where we are does open the door to exciting possibilities. And I can say from my own experience, the more I am realizing this, not only is my life more blessed than I ever expected, people around the world are being helped in ways I never would have imagined.

God's supply recession-proof

Sitting here this Saturday morning thinking about the economy, several thoughts come to mind: first, I happened to read in The Wall Street Journal the other night about some economic downturn in 1907, and it occurred to me, why the Leader of the Christian Science movement, Mary Baker Eddy, was on the scene working for her Cause during this time. I do not know the particulars of how severe the problems were, but it is apparent that she and her Cause came through it all. And I couldn't help thinking about the wonderful practitioners and teachers during the Great Depression, who through what they knew of God's laws came through it all intact, if not abounding in money. I can't say about this, but I do know they prevailed through what they understood of God's everpresent goodness and government.

Just some of the things that come to thought right now:

l) As Christ Jesus demonstrated for his followers for all time, God's supply is infinite. This Jesus proved time and again as readers of his parables know. God obviously knows nothing about lack or finite good, since there is no such thing in His universe. And His universe is actually the only one there is;

2) As Mrs. Eddy stated in something she wrote (and a Baptist friend of mine was greatly enlightened by when I showed her the statement) man is God's reflection, and since His hands are full, so are ours. Let me quote it in full for you. This is in the book We Knew Mary Baker Eddy, page 134: "When you stand before a mirror and look at your reflection, it is the same as the original. Now you are God's reflection. If His hands are full, your hands are full, if you image Him. You cannot know lack." This lady said, what that woman brought out is a brand new idea for me! I have never thought of myself as God's reflection. This is so neat to think about!

3) And picking up on the thought of our being God's image and likeness, His reflection, I have learned through the teachings of Christian Science that as the one Mind, God couldn't be less than whole or complete, less than infinite, less than finished and complete, man, His manifestation can't be incomplete or lacking any good thing. An understanding of the completeness of God's creation and of ourselves as His child, His always-cared for child, can be demonstrated by any one of us. And it so obviously has been through the decades by thousands of students of Christian Science who have proved in their own daily lives God's supply is recession-proof.

Hope some of this is a comfort to my readers. We don't have to sink under the current, and projected, conditions.

Our Master warns us

Whatever our work in life
may happen to be,
we need to ask; search
our motives regularly:

Is it for His holy child
that I do what I do? --
is a question to
which we need to hew.

For there is nothing that
so lights up the carnal mind's face
as seeing us putting ourselves
in dear Jesus' place.

"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men,
to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no
reward of your Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 6:l

Jesus on excess

A friend just emailed me about a very well written editorial/opinion by Maureen Dowd in today's New York Times on the AIG wasting of taxpayer dollars -- again! And I can't help revisiting one of my blogs, on the topic of being economical done a few blogs back. And George W., wherever you are, read the Times as well. I doubt that you can take up for these guys a second time.

But back to what matters and that is something Mary Baker Eddy writes in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, page 266 to the effect that we must follow all the sayings of our Master, Christ Jesus. What safety there is for us when we do this!

And speaking of Jesus, let me end this Sunday bit with his sublime statement about greed: "Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting." (Luke 21:34)
Isn't this wonderful and timely though. But why should one be surprised at this, when it is through living the Word of God--especially in these crucial times--that one has the way out of every problem that may come his way.

Mighty -- but meek

One may be a daughter
of the South,
yet not all sweetness and light,
a person who is weak,
lacking might,
reluctant to fight
when the Cause is right.
How to balance standing
up for oneself
with acting meek---
what a challenge.
With me, it's a
work in progress.
After centuries of
half the race being
put down, told to
be seen and not heard,
(with a few exceptions)
can make one want
to go overboard
to oneself express.
Thank God for the Word--
which helps many
of us to keep words in,
and not commit the sin
of not being loving enough.
Sometime this is tough.
But there is our Hero
for all time,
our Exemplar sublime,
who though his rebuke
was soemthing one would
not have wanted to be
on the receiving end of,
was the most loving man
that ever walked the earth.

Being daughers (and sons)
of the King,
should we not be able to
express might and meekness?
This followers of Christ
and Christian Science
will increasingly need to do.

It takes Christ Jesus and Christian Science

Having taken as my text for this blog the following statements from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, here goes something very important to me. In fact, it is the impetus for this blog I've started. And I'll no doubt be re-visiting this topic time and again.

First, from page 269: "The testimony of the material senses is neither absolute nor divine. I therefore plant myself unreservedly on the teachings of Jesus, of his apostles, of the prophets, and on the testimony of the Science of Mind. Other foundations there are none. All other systems -- systems based wholly or partly on knowledge gained through the material senses -- are reeds shaken by the wind, not houses built on the rock."

And from page 569: "Alas for those who break faith with divine Science and fail to strangle the serpent of sin as well as of sickness! They are in the surging sea of error, not struggling to lift their heads above the drowning wave."

Having had many a discussion with Christians who love Christ Jesus but know nothing of Christian Science, and on the other hand, with Christian Scientists who are trying to live with Christ Jesus a footnote to their lives, it is my conviction that one must have both. To try to get along with only one or the other, is fatal to understanding God and having dominion over evil. It just cannot be done. And it is not being done in too many sad instances.

Regarding the first quotation above, I recall one Wednesday evening testimony meeting at the Wellesley, MA church when I gave a testimony, quoted most of that statement, inadvertently left out "the testimony of the Science of Mind" whereupon a wonderful practitioner rose and said in a loving and gentle way, "let me add to the good lady's remarks the last part of that quotation. " And then, he gave a wonderful testimony as to the power of Christian Science.
I was glad he corrected me. And it reinforces what I'm driving at, that one must have the full package, Christ Jesus and Christian Science for spiritual progress and well-being.

I've had oh so many talks with Christians on the subject of religion, and recall one when we were moving down South. The mover, a devout Baptist, saw a painting of Daniel in the Lions Den over my desk which opened a most inspiring conversation. Finally, he asked, are all members of your church as reverent toward Christ Jesus as you are? I had to answer, unfortunately they are not. And this in my view is the reason for the stagnation, the deadness in too many churches and lives today.

And this, too, reinforces why I say, and Mrs. Eddy knew and founded her Church to reinstate Jesus' words and works, that Christian Scientists cannot make the grade, cannot have the joy and peace and rightness with God they should be enjoying if they think Jesus is obsolete. Shocking that many think so? It is to me. But with more than one patient I've helped who have told me, "I have never once felt close to God", (and you think there is not an unsettling thing to hear!) it is clear to me that the problem is absence of love for Christ Jesus in their hearts and thoughts. Just reading great articles, listening to splendid lectures, taking class instruction, being brought up in Christian Science--the whole nine yards--is not all that is required. It takes living the Word, having Jesus' teachings at the core of one's life. And without this love for Christ as well as Christian Science, how can they experience God's blessings? They can't. No one can. Why would one expect God to look favorably on someone who has no reverence for His holy child?

I well realize this is not popular to point out, but if you and I are not boldly standing up for Christ and Christian Science, what are we taking up space for?!

Our adorable God

So many thoughts about God crowd in this lovely October morning still dark, and while not in any particular order, since they center around the One, are worth sharing, I think. What joy to have a way to express instantly the inspiration one feels! What freedom to not have to wait around for others to read/evaluate/ and edit one's heartfelt thoughts!

First, read yesterday afternoon what the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy says about "Wind" in her major work, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: "That which indicates the might of omnipotence and the movements of God's spiritual government encompassing all things." I love this thought of God surrounding us, and couldn't help thanking God mightily while sitting in the cool grass with one of our dogs, just letting that crisp autumn wind blow over us, making colorful leaves twirl and dance. So much more than just lovely nature, the whole scene conveyed Him to me, as nature is increasingly doing, I find.

And, read recently in Mrs. Eddy's Miscellaneous Writings, page 106 a most beautiful sentence (boy, could that woman write!): "It has long been a question of earnest import, How shall mankind worship the most adorable, but most unadored, -- and where shall begin that praise that shall never end?"

To me, this adoration for God, this earnest desire to share with the whole world what He had done for her in the healing He wrought, explains why her Cause prospered in the early days, and why it still lives, and cannot be lost. Gratitude for Christian Science and what it is doing right now for us is stronger than it has ever been for many people I know, and I rejoice in this fact. What so many of us faithful to the Cause owe to our loving Father, God is eternal and will be with us forevermore.

Truly is our God the most adorable!

A follow-up to being wise about spending

A sense of compassion compels me to add some further thoughts to what I posted yesterday, on the wisdom of conducting our lives economically: someone I was talking to said, that's cold comfort for me! I've already been unwise, lived beyond my means. It's too late now.

But it's never too late--provided one turns to God to show him the way out of troubling circumstances. Along this line, two things have come to mind today.

First, the Old Testament (Jeremiah 32:17) which states: "Ah Lord, God! Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee."

And interestingly enough, an experience a friend of mine had who served in WWII in the Solomon Islands. This was published some years ago in the Christian Science periodicals, and it bears on the subject of feeling up against great odds, and can be transposed to a financial situation, I think.

This soldier was waiting to be evacuated when a round of mortar fire whistled past. He jumped into a foxhole. Because he knew the target-ranging system being used, he expected the next bomb to land very near. He heard it coming. Then, he said, time seemed to stop and he thought of his loved ones at home and of himself, feeling this could be the end. Then, came a divine message of assurance: "What are you worrying about? You are God's child, and God's child cannot be destroyed." That bomb landed on the edge of the foxhole, but didn't go off.

I've always found this example of just what turning to God in a desperate circumstance can do most inspiring, and applicable to anything we might face in our daily lives. As bad as things may look today in the stock market, the economy will turn around. Has anything happened to God's all-power and love for His children? Of course not!

And in conclusion, the Bible has this eternal assurance: "With us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles" (II Chronicles 32:8). What a comfort to you and me to know that we always have instant recourse to the Father's ever-present love, that whatever our particular battle may be -- even a scary financial picture -- we can ask God for help, confident that He will adjust circumstances, open up new opportunities, and show us the right and wise and economical steps to take. By taking refuge in almighty God, one can end up better than he was before.

The wisdom of being economical

Sure I'm not the only one who heard about the AIG executives who blew a whole lot of taxpayer money at that California spa--after just being helped to the tune of 85 million dollars. People are rightly aghast at this, and it made me think about excessive spending. And only yesterday came across something Jesus mentions which I don't recall seeing before, in Luke 21:34 on not being overcharged with surfeiting. How up-to-the-minute this is!

And it made me appreciate more than ever what the leader of the Christian Science Church calls for in her by-law in The Manual of The Mother Church, namely "wisdom, economy, and brotherly love." I find this absolutely wonderful, such a guideline in our own daily lives and doing.

And lastly this morning, a note of thanks to my own dear father who lived through the Great Depression and always told us kids, don't ever spend more than you take in. If you have a dollar, spend only 90 cents of it. Daddy, who was single at the time, said he was always last to be hired (if he got hired at all) because they took the married men with children first for the jobs open. He more than once had only potato peelings in his lunchbox, and did not want any of us to go through what he had survived.

So, how wonderful those of us who love Christ and Christian Science have the words of our great Master, Jesus and of Mary Baker Eddy to show us how to live in these times.

Taking up the cross

Just read in my morning review of the Master's words marked in red in one of my Bibles this statement: "He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." This is from Matthew 10:38. And this ties in with something I'm giving deeper thought to because of a comment a friend in New York state just made to a poem I posted earlier today. Her, along with so many others, heartfelt commitment to Christ Jesus really moves me. She said, on the subject of Jesus' words above, that most mainline churches today no longer bring up the cross at all! Just isn't popular to demand anything of their attendees. Nominal Christians don't want to hear about sacrifice/giving their all to Christ/following in his footsteps. Too much work required, too much selflessness to even think of doing this. So many only want a feel-good, promise people instant wealth and success (even health without doing a thing themselves) religion. Of course, this is not the Christianity Jesus left us.

So what have I arrived at from all the thinking I've been doing? That we are not really Christ's until we are willing, yea, even eager, to pick up whatever our cross happens to be, and carry it all the way. To be joyful about going the whole distance. It seems clear to me one who reaches this point--and it is a sublime one-- is on ground the safest, ground most holy, ground that takes him very near to things divine.

And to conclude, came across a statement made by Mary Baker Eddy in First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, page l66 where she says: "Life's ills are our chief recompense; they develop hidden strenth." You may be thinking, how could she write this?! How can you endorse it?! Because I do feel accepting this premise, and grasping what is being said here, is essential if we're to be real followers of Christ. Too many churches are anemic, not attractive to people any longer. They offer nothing people can't get from the world. So, in a sense, they are irrelevant, dead above ground. Churches no longer offer what can only be achieved as one hears about the cross and is willing to take it up--eagerly, joyfully.

We're not promised a picnic

The beauty of having one's own blog is that, whatever the thoughts rattling around, one can give them out almost the moment they occur. Thinking on a gorgeous autumn morning just now about something a friend said recently: trying to live what Jesus taught and demonstrate the spiritual truths he knew is no easy proposition. How many of us can say Amen to that! But we consider Christ and Christian Science well worth the work required, or we'd go off to something else.

To start with the sublime, I often think of the time Jesus told his disciples that there would be those who, if they killed them, would consider they were doing God a good turn! Doesn't get much clearer than that. One doesn't enter the narrow path that leads on and up to God, the path our Saviour walked for us, without having been warned what awaits him.

And just thought and looked up something Mary Baker Eddy states in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, page 26 which lays it out: "While we adore Jesus, and the heart overflows with gratitude for what he did for mortals -- treading alone his loving pathway up to the throne of glory, in speechless agony exploring the way for us, -- yet Jesus spares us not one individual experience, if we follow his commands faithfully; and all have the cup of sorrowful effort to drink in proportion to their demonstration of his love, till all are redeemed through divine Love."

Personally, I find these words glorious as they show just how much reverence the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science had for Christ Jesus. And to end this little entry, I have thought of the time when she was about to give a talk and some threatened to blow up the hall where she was to speak. Did she turn and run? No, sir. In her own words, (paraphrased), I leaned on God and was safe.

So, you have my thoughts for the day...

Jesus' words -- how timely

Our Master's words -- how timely,
a way out of all difficulty.
Consider what he says in Luke 15:
how much one can find
in these economic times to mind,
about a man who lived life profligate,
brought through want to his knees.
Imagine being hungry enough
to eat the food pigs ate!
Would this not get one's attention?
And if it takes harsh conditions
to turn people in God's direction,
to begin thinking-- instead of myself--
how can I my Maker please,
is this not a good thing?
As a friend said,who works
where we now and then eat,
people can't keep leaving
God out of the picture,
and go on prospering.
On this, he and we did meet.
Pleasure-seeking...
Christ-forsaking
will get mankind only so far.
And if the time has come
for at least some
to consider God's demands
in these times so tough,
to start obeying His commands,
then I say,
it can't happen soon enough.

Our heavenly Father awaits
with such a loving welcome.

"Why not take it to God?"

Some years ago,
a colleague dealt
me quite a blow,
leaving me feeling
very low, confused,
my world about to fall.
Did I to my Father go?
I am sorry to say, no,
not strong in faith enough.
Finally, I did seek out
an experienced, wise friend
and asked him, "Who can I
take this problem to?"
And his inspired counsel?
"Why not take it to God?"
I have learned to heed
since this angel advice,
thus saving myself remorse
at not turning to God first,
when difficulties arise.
And I strongly recommend
this superior course.
How much better it is
to turn to Him first,
as His offspring should --
an all-loving Father who
wants for us such good.

To God goes the credit

They told me not to even try writing poetry.
"You're not intellectual enough",
the wise and published ones said.
So I didn't try --for too many years.
Then, one wonderful day unforgettable,
poems began to flow,
poems that have warmed people,
made them laugh and weep,
enlightened, inspired, and in some cases,
made them want to amend their lives.
Truly.
So take it from me:
don't ever let anyone convince you
to keep your words bottled up.
Express what you feel -- boldly.
That's all there is to style.
Isn't what you have to share
as valid as anybody else's?
Don't let people's opinions
stand in your way.
Have your say.
If it's in your heart,
it will reach the hearts of others.

Above all this, for my writing,
I humbly give Him the credit.
As the Bible says,
"So shall my word be that goeth forth
out of my mouth: it shall not return
unto me void, but it shall accomplish
that which I please, and it shall prosper
in the thing whereunto I sent it."
(Isaiah 55:ll)

A house standing on rock

While at lunch yesterday happened to get in a conversation with Howard, a retired gentleman who works part-time, and has become a friend of ours. Naturally, we got on the economy and he said something arresting: what's happening in the US is a wake-up call for Americans to get back to God. He asked our religion, told him, asked his, member of an evangelical denomination. But we agreed that people cannot forever leave God out of the picture and continue prospering--or even treading water, in some cases. Howard said, remember what happened to the children of Israel when they forsook God's laws.

This led me right to Jesus' parable of the house (how timely is this?) built on rock and the one built on sand. And being a student of the teachings of Christian Science, to something its Founder wrote: "In some way, sooner or later, all must rise superior to materiality, and suffering is oft the divine agent in this elevation. 'All things work together for good to them that love God' is the dictum of Scripture. Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, page 444.

Dr. John Tutt, an early worker in the Christian Science movement, a former medical doctor who took up the study of Science, once said to a close friend of mine, "Remember that Christian Science is Science applied to Christianity". How grateful I am to have the holy Word of God as given us through the prophets, Christ Jesus, apostles, and through the writings of Mary Baker Eddy to dig into, which thoroughly empower us in getting through rough times. A verse from the Christian Science Hymnal mentions overcoming through Christ alone. (Haven't consulted my Concordance for the exact one.) Of course, we overcome through Christ alone--but only through understanding what he knew about God's laws, about man's relationship to his loving Father. And in my view, only Christian Science presents the knowledge Jesus had, and how to demonstrate divine truths.

So let everyone reading this ask himself: am I serious about building my house for eternity?
And what is it going to be for me? Rock--or sand?

And the dog got right up!

About four years ago, I was leaving one morning, had just gotten into my car when a stray dog came around the corner and headed for a bowl of water we keep out for wildlife that come in the night. Suddenly he dropped to the ground, obviously very ill. I jumped out of the car, tried to rouse him, couldn't lift him as he was a very big dog. I stood there for a bit, thought if only I could get him in the car, could take him to a nearby vet to see if he had a chip and if so, return him to his owner. But my husband was away, any neighbor disposed to helping a mere animal already at work. So, I got back in the car, looked away from the sad picture and turned wholeheartedly to God in prayer.

This thought from the Christian Science textbook came strongly to me and I quote it for you here: the margin note says, "Source of all life and action" and in the text, Mrs. Eddy states: (page 283) "Mind is the source of all movement, and there is no inertia to retard or check its perpetual and harmonious action." This was a terrific help to me in the metaphysical work I was doing. This went on for maybe a half hour. And then, there alongside the car was this dog! He had gotten up, was walking normally, and just trotted off down the driveway. I was so happy to see yet another proof that God heals. And He helps animals, too, as my own family and many of my Christian Scientist friends have experienced.

Not predisposed to illness

Beverly was in the middle of some house cleaning she was doing for us this one day, and happened to say: "You don't seem worried about getting sick. I think about it all the time. I'm scared to death of getting what my father is dying from. Can you give me any help?" We sat down and talked awhile about some of the things Christian Science teaches about God's laws and man's relationship to his heavenly Father. Then I recommended Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, which she got and started reading. She even told a friend about the book. Not long after this, Beverly went on to other work and we lost touch with one another. But a couple of weeks ago, ran into her at the grocery store. Had not seen her for over five years but she was up and at it, the same energetic, loving person, with from what she told me, a very full schedule these days. So, apparently she hadn't succumbed to her father's illness and did not appear to be worried silly about her health.

Just because our grandfather/grandmother/father/mother may have had such and such a disease, there is no reason why you or I should do down before it.

With genetic testing so much in the air, I am grateful that Christian Science rejects material theories of heredity, and accepts the statement attributed to God in the book of Ezekiel: "What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?...Behold, all souls are mine." Ezekiel l8: 2, 4

And of course, Jesus was emphatic as to our spiritual origin: "Call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." Matthew 23:9 To our everlasting benefit, Jesus demonstrated what a spiritual understanding of man's direct, perfect relationship to God can mean in one's day-to-day life.

Human belief and education to the contrary, material laws of heredity do not actually govern us. In the spiritual reality of being each of us originates not in two people who have an asssortment of defects and deficiencies that can be passed on to helpless offspring, but in God, the divine Father-Mother, who is infinite, perfect Mind and manifests Himself in faultless creation. As Mrs. Eddy points out in the Christian Science textbook on page 63: "In Science man is the offspring of Spirit. The beautiful, good, and pure constitute his ancestry."

Whether it's fear of falling victim to a physical or mental hereditary disorder, it can be healed by gaining the correct understanding of our real identity as God's image and likeness. False, material laws are overruled to the exact degree we recognize man's present, Godlike being. Mortal misconceptions cannot stand in the presence of spiritual illumination. As Mrs. Eddy writes: "Heredity is a prolific subject for mortal belief to pin theories upon; but if we learn that nothing is real but the right, we shall have no dangerous inheritances, and fleshly ills will disappear." (S&H, p 228)

Ashamed of Jesus? God forbid!

"Not me!" you may be saying.

And you may be right.

But one can think he's obeying

what God expects, and not be.

The watering down of

Jesus and his words

can be unbelievably subtle.

Christians there are in name only,

(one hesitates to give them that much)

who without realizing it,

have moved our great Master

off the cover of their lives

to the inside pages.

You and I then need to stay sharp.



But hear Jesus' own words on this cosmically-important subject:
"Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words, in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
Mark 8:38

Accountant's eyesight healed

On one of my postings done earlier last week, I mentioned the name Samuel Greenwood as giving an illuminating statement in something he wrote. Well, I think you might be interested in learning some background to this wonderful early worker in the Christian Science Movement.

He was living in Victoria, British Columbia, working after high school as an accountant when his eyesight began to fail. He finally had to give up his work, and he spent most of his time sitting in a darkened room. He went to London for a time to consult with specialists but wasn't healed. At some point, obviously since he was healed, a friend mentioned to him the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy which he got. He could only make out a little of it each day, but wouldn't you know, this man was completely and permanently healed of his defective eyesight! One can just imagine what new world this opened up for him. He was from everything I've read of what he wrote a deeply Christian man, don't know which denomination and it doesn't matter. But he went full steam ahead in his new religion. Started a branch church there in his locale, wrote tons of splended articles for the Christian Science periodicals which you may find in the bound volumes of most reading rooms around the world, became listed as a practitioner in the Journal, became a teacher of Christian Science, even became friends with many of the workers in Boston helping Mrs. Eddy with her massive efforts to bless the world. He was a close friend of Calvin Frye, one of her secretaries.

Along with many others power-house metaphysicians, his writings to me are some of the most thought-provoking and clearly stated. In fact, for a long time I thought this man was surely a renowned college professor so proficient was he in the English language. I have found his writings on Christian Science absolutely awesome!

Who's really in charge

Glancing at the headlines on my way out of my breakfast place this morning, couldn't help but be grateful for the help my religion gives in not being swamped by worry in challenging times. With public confidence in the U.S. Congress at an all-time low, people are wondering, is anyone piloting the ship? Will it reach land? Is Washington governing or not? For me, it's worth thinking about Someone who definitely is in charge and on top of everything.

The Bible offers this reassurance, "The kingdom is the Lord's: and he is the governor among the nations" (Psalm 22:28).

And Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (p. 286), "Physical causation was put aside from first to last by this original man, Jesus. He knew that the divine Principle, Love, creates and governs all that is real."

The teachings of Christian Science point out the following divine truths that have proved very beneficial to me over the years:

The sole governing force of the universe, including you and me and all God's children, is God Himself, divine Principle.

He maintains His creation in perfect peace and harmony.

There is never actually one moment when His divine law is not operating, not a time when we can be deprived of its power.

Being God's child, we're not helpless before misfortune, insecurity, loss.

God's law is good, supreme, and all-inclusive; he does not share His power with another creator, for there is none.

Our beloved Master, Christ Jesus, certainly furnished convincing proof of God's unerring government. In accordance with divine law, he fed hungry thousands on a few loaves and fishes, stilled a raging sea, healed disease, insanity, and immorality, and even raised the dead--all in opposition to material law, to what seemed to be in control. And to be free from the insecurity, fear, and dread of a mortal outlook, one needs to know, as did Jesus, that he always under God's government.

An understanding of this eternal fact increases our trust in God and banishes fear. So today, this is part of my metaphysical work: to acknowledge God's all-encompassing rule, to know who's really in charge of things.

The saving light of Christ

Picture this:
someone sits in a darkened room
with the shutters closed,
lost in fear or worry or gloom,
while outside there is
the most abundant sunlight.
Then, lo, someone goes to the
window and opens those shutters,
letting the glorious light in,
Now, think about this promise
in Psalms 119:30:
"The entrance of thy
words giveth light."
How many times this has
been my experience.
Of course, the sulight in this
poem is the Christ, Truth,
and those who have illumined
my darkness have been, and are
those dear souls who have
loved and lived and spoken
and written the truths of
Christ's divine Science.
How indebted I do feel!
And to think that you
and I can -- just maybe --
do the same for some
other one who sits in the
darkness of misery or sin,
thus letting Christ's wonderful/
marvelous/saving light in.

Being obedient

No blogging for me today,
I said to myself.
But God, the Author
of all worth sharing,
waved that thought away.
If He impels, I have
no choice but to obey.
"What conceit", some
one of you may say.
With this I would agree,
if these simple words
I write came from me.
(Or from you.)
Perhaps you may have
doubted your thoughts
actually came from Him,
and the inspiration
that might have helped
others to stay in the Way
in your desk drawer lay.
But if they reach hearts
with spiritual uplift,
must not we send forth
the words He imparts?

Our oneness with God

Thinking about something this morning, what Mary Baker Eddy says in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures", namely: "Jesus of Nazareth taught and demonstrated man's oneness with the Father, and for this we owe him endless homage." Amen to that! Hope someone turning in to this blog sees this and thinks about it, for this divine fact is a powerful help in whatever we are facing. Three examples:

A friend of ours who served in WWII from Melbourne, Australia likes to say, "I love to think about this, that God and I are not two, but one...and that one is Him." Paul Jones came through horrific battles in the Pacific area of the fighting just through what he had learned from studying Christian Science. This man used it every day, read his Bible lesson from small books they handed out to servicemen, even in foxholes. A most inspiring man to my husband and me. Paul was wonderfully healed of malaria contracted from fighting in the jungles. He couldn't exclaim enough over the help he got from a Christian Science practitioner in his branch church.

Then there is a life-long Christian Scientist over in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Frank Pryor, who as a Marine on Iwo Jima, just yards away from where that world-famous flag was raised, came through unimaginable fighting through clinging to what he knew of man's inseparability from His Father, God. And he came through this without a scratch--only dead tired and 20 lbs. lighter. This man is still going strong, living what he knows of spiritual truths. Such an inspiration to countless people who know and work with him--so humble, self-effacing, generous, kind and helpful to others.

Then ( you'd think most of my friends are WWII vets!) there is Jobert Williams from Crossville, Tennessee we keep in touch with as he's such a loving friend of ours, who was a Marine in the South Pacific theater, who due to his Sunday School teaching and having a mother who was a Christian Scientist who was no doubt praying mightily for him, came through so much, intact mostly, with only minor wounds.

These men have showed to me how depending on the fact that man is always in the presence of divine Love, God is such a powerful, healing force--whatever the fire pouring in on us.

So a bouquet of roses to all three.

Dealing with doubting Thomases

Heard on the news yesterday
about a camp for atheist kinds,
(I'm not making this up)
where one boy said,
"If there is a God, why
doesn't He appear everyday
at say, 3:15?"
Oh, deliver us from stupidity!
Couldn't help but think
of two instances in the Bible;
the first with Thomas, who
had seen so much being with Jesus,
yet still needed this rejoinder:
"Thomas, blessed are they that
have not seen, and yet have believed."
(John 20:27)
And the blind man, whose
parents questioned him
about his wonderful healing.
As we know, he replied,
about this man I do not know;
one thing I know, whereas I
was blind, now I see.
We who have experienced
Christ's healing touch
in so many ways, find
it all joy to have the
opportunity to stand for Truth,
to be able to say,
my God liveth, and by
heaven, I know it.
Hope I'm learning to do
this always in tender love--
not take the discussion
beyond the other person's
agitation or turning away.
Embedded on our Saviour's
words and works,
we stand upon the Rock,
and nothing anyone says or
disbelieves about God's power
can our faith in Him shock.
This is of course subject vast,
but your and my love for
and faith in God is going to last.

Don't take my word for it

When I'm talking with someone new to the teachings of Christian Science, and I elaborate on just some of the healings I have had from its study (to do justice to which would take more time than you have to read), I, of course, point them to Mary Baker Eddy's masterwork, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. This inspired volume tells anyone interested in how Jesus did what he did, how he did it. Not only has my life has been so blessed by learning this. But hundreds of thousands of others have been empowered to experience God's healing and saving power. I say to them, you don't have to take my word for it; investigate Christian Science for yourself.

The teachings contained in Science and Health stress that Christ Jesus' life purpose was not only to inspire, but to show how to be free from every form of mateiral bondage, physical suffering included. He promised, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also" (John 14:12).

As countless readers of the Christian Science textbook have found to their great joy, when the divine facts that Jesus illustrated and practiced are brought into contact with one's fears, beliefs, and attitudes about disease, the result is a change of thought, a spiritualization of thought, a removing of the mental state causing the physical difficulty. As Mrs. Eddy explains: "The physical healing of Christian Science results now, as in Jesus' time, from the operation of divine Principle, before which sin and disease lose their reality in human consciousness and disappear as natually and as necessarily as darkness give place to light and sin to reformation. Now, as then, these mighty works are not supernatural, but supremely natural" (p. xi).

The discovery that Mary Baker Eddy made, that matter is really a mental phenomenon, was and is revolutionary. Though you may never have considered it in this way before, both the image of sickness and its expression in the body are false beliefs about you and me--not actual conditions. The understanding of this fact is a potent force in destroying physical suffering, as I have found so many times over the years.

It is by turning thought from an inharmonious problem and turning to God, contemplating man's real, spiritual selfhood as God's idea, that we are restored to health and well-being. God be thanked, I say, that we are His reflection, the expression of infinite, harmonious Spirit. And being His offspring, are never separated from our heavenly Father's tender, constant care.


Christ-healing is dependent on the removal of disease beliefs and fears. And it is the activity of the Christ in human consciousness that removes these fears and false beliefs. As the divine facts of existence displace mortality's lie in our thinking, a more normal, harmonious sense of being inevitably appears.

Have I awakened an interest in learning more of the divine metaphysics of Christian Science? I hope so, as you have no idea what wonderful things await you! So I say again, don't take my word for it. You may find out for yourself.

Aspiration

(Inspired while reading Message to The Mother Church for 1902 by Mrs. Eddy)



The only worthwhile ambition?
To serve God and help the race,
not elbow other people
for personal gain and place.

"I am among you as he that serveth"*,
our blessed Master said.
And the one true way to a
life worth living Jesus has led.

Taking more and more of the
"me" out of what we do
will allow more of Christ's power
to come shining through.

And is it not more of
His comforting touch
that people hunger for,
what they need so much?

To minister unto others--
not be ministered to--
what a worth-pursuing goal
this will be for me and you.

*Luke 22:27

Love active

Sometimes we may wonder,
do my paltry efforts
in Christ's behalf
matter very much,
if at all?
Oh yes, they do,
more than you and
I may ever know.
The smallest expression
of God's dear love
can give another a shove
(in a gentle way),
to be up and doing,
keep on keeping on.
The tiniest thing,
merely a "job well done"
can cause another's
heart to sing.
It takes so little time
to reach out to others
with His love sublime.
Is a little more kindness,
a few truths tenderly told,
such an order tall?

So,
let's you and I spread
some good around.

Our Master -- the basis and support for Christian Science healing

"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give," in Matthew lO:8 Jesus said.

And from the woman who discovered and founded Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy: "Those who laugh at or pray against transcendentalism and the Christian Scientist's religion, or his medicine, should know the danger of questioning Christ Jesus' healing, who administered no remedy apart from Mind, and taught his disciples none other."
"If God created drugs for medical use, Jesus and his discipleswould have used them and named them for that purpose, for he came to do 'the will of the Father.'"
(Message to The other Church for 19o1)

Needless to say,
no puny words of mine
can add one thing to
Christ's words divine.
But thought this morning
I'd reiterate to you
what Jesus commanded
his followers to do.

Like a Yo-Yo

Do you remember
playing with a Yo-yo
when you were a child?
Send it out,
and back it comes.
To me, giving, with the
selfishness removed,
is somewhat like this.
When love impels
an action,
the reaction
though not always
from recepient per se,
or in kind,
will do just as Jesus
said it would:
"With what measure ye mete,
it shall be measured to you again."
(Matthew 7:3)
Selfless giving,
embraced in divine law
that blesses all;
so God-aproved,
so full of good
for all concerned.
God's law of love,
operating perpetually,
impartially covering all,
sees that this is done.

Supply through reflection

As though people in the United States especially, and around the world as well, weren't worried enough about financial issues, the Dow falls 500 points yesterday. In thinking about this situation this morning, and wanting to offer something helpful, these thoughts came: first, these illuminating (to me) words of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science from the book We Knew Mary Baker Eddy, where one of her pupils recalled a discussion in which she said: "When you stand before a mirror and look at your reflection, it is the same as the original. Now you are God's reflection. If His hands are full, your hands are full, if you image Him. You cannot know lack." (p. 134) Now I don't understand this to mean that God's hands are full of money but that His goodness is inexhaustible.

This sounds all well and good, some reader may be thinking right now, but is what you're saying practical? I have certainly found it so that spiritual truths or facts one learns in Christian Science, understood and held persistently within the mentality, will externalize itself in outward and visible forms. Let me repeat: it is divine law, active in our consciousness, that causes spiritual facts to become humanly and materially visible in our experience.

Not just words off the top of head here. Let me illustrate: years ago when I was leaving a paid job to become self-employed, the fear of not making it financially was great. I happened to mention this to a friend who calmly replied, "Why, income is within." Well, that went in one ear and out the other. But I did think about this statement since the one offering encouragement was living proof of what he was saying. The words above about reflection, as well as something Jesus says in Luke that "The kingdom of God is within you" (17:21) were such a help, and over time I learned to pray consistently from the basis of all good being already and always within us, of God's work being finished and perfect. The more I saw that I was not an incomplete, material being but God's spiritual image, His reflection, maintained forever by Him in a state of completeness and well-being, the financial picture improved to the point that fear of not having enough disappeared. There has always been abundance since.

So, let me say to anyone reading this blog in search of comfort and help, that from the standpoint of what our loving Father knows, only good is in store for us. We have a right to receive all we need to be successfully about His business of reflecting Him. The Psalmist promises: "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" (Ps. 37:25).

No matter how dire the human scene may look for us, God, divine Love remains the same--an ever-present, tender, caring supporter of all His little ones. You and I can count on it.

A silver lining to tribulation

Draw closer to God
unless driven thereto?
Probably not for most.
But when on pleasing Him
our hearts are truly set,
we from trying times do
lasting blessings get--
even though at the time
happy days seem like toast.
"And we know that all things
work together for good to them
that love God, to them who are
the called according to his
purpose", Romans 8:28 points out.
Not just airy words these,
not for Paul--
nor for me or you,
who can a dark and churning sea
to solid land make it through.
And some of the good things
His children are promised?
when
--what needs seeing is seen,
--what needs learning is learned,
--what needs to be stronger is so,
many gifts, and one of
the very best of all,
gratitude that our Father
did not let us fall,
joy that we can now see,
why, He did what He did
out of love for me!

Why I'm a Christian Scientist

People have asked me, how come someone who clearly loves Christ Jesus as much as you do is involved with Christian Science when it isn't even Christian? Of course, right off the bat, I say I feel my religion is preeminently Christian. Then I give some background. I was brought up in the Christian Science Sunday School from the age of 4 years because of my mother being wonderfully healed through reading and pondering "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. Doctors though they kindly tried everything they knew to help her, could not bring about her freedom from a physical condition that had tormented her since her high school days. With two small children to care for on top of being so ill, life was a challenge. At this point, an interested neighbor who had seen her suffering mentioned that she knew people who had been healed through the help of "Science and Health." Mother got the book and began reading and thinking about what it brings out about God and man, and before she was even half-way through, was completely and permanently healed. Her joy knew no bounds! Even though she had been a devout Methodist, she took my brother and me out of its Sunday School and enrolled us in the Christian Science Sunday School, and never looked back. To be raised without fear of getting sick was a blessing beyond price, I can tell anyone.
However, despite many wonderful proofs of God's healing power myself, I wanted to make this religion my own, and not just accept it because that's all I knew. I delved into other religious beliefs, reading much in the world-class Boston Public Library. I came to the conclusion that no other religion than Christian Science took things far enough with respect to really following in Christ's footsteps and doing all he commanded us to do. I'm thinking specifically of Jesus' "Heal the sick" which I do not take to mean, all of you study medicine and become doctors, but to heal the way he healed. I find that the teachings of Christian Science enable me, in a very modest way at this point, to carry out Christ's commands in full. Of course, I am just at the beginning in understanding what I believe he knew about God's laws and man's oneness with God, but I am certain Christian Science has the answer for me.