Remember that lady I mentioned in a blog last week who had just discovered Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy? Well, just had an email from her, commenting on all the glowing comments her eloquence had garnered, and as she does, giving Christ full credit for whatever inspiration she had brought to readers of this blog. She was exclaiming over things she had read from pages 88 and 89 of the textbook. Won't pick up on all the author of this glorious book brings out on the topic of eloquence (she mentions this quality in five places), but I think this may be the key thought: "Mind is not necessarily dependent upon educational processes. It possesses of itself all beauty and poetry, and the power of expressing them."
I can see why these pages would light up for this friend, who has said her human education is quite limited, and that anything she's able to do she owes entirely to Him. Can't help thinking, as I rejoice over how quickly she has taken to the Christian Science textbook, about something else Mrs. Eddy brings out in the preface, page x: "The unbiased Christian thought is soonest touched by Truth, and convinced of it."
While many people have always had tons of self-confidence and the conviction they can achieve anything, this is not the case with all of us. And it was not the case with the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science who said she had to overcome self-doubt and timidity in doing what she did for mankind. Mrs. Eddy who had almost no human support or resources, relied on God alone for everything needed to bring her Discovery to the world. One can only marvel at the changes God wrought in her over the decades. As He has done for many others and can do for anyone who humbly acknowledges Him as the source of all thought and the power of expressing ideas.
Owing the teachings of this remarkable woman more than can ever be repaid for the help received in matters of health and well-being, I owe much for what these teachings have done in overcoming a sense of limitation where self-confidence and ability are concerned. The opening of horizons has been amazing to me. (And probably to others as well!)
Someone who is reading this blog for the first time who may not yet be acquainted with Christian Science may find the following of help. Any person can turn to the source of all creativity, God, and expect good results.
Christian Science, which was founded to reinstate the words and works of Christ Jesus, honors God as the fount of all ability, as our dear Master did. As this statement of Jesus makes plain: "The Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." (John 14:10) And Science and Health points out, in describing man, which means you and me, as "that which possesses no life, intelligence, nor creative power of his own, but reflects spiritually all that belongs to his Maker." (Page 475)
Christian Science teaches man's unity with God, divine Mind. It shows that each man, woman, and child is actually a spiritual idea, the reflection of this Mind. All that God has is man's by reflection. Intelligence, originality, enthusiasm, and ability do not come from some place outside us. And they're not limited to a chosen few. They are qualities continuously being imparted by God to His beloved children, and so available to all. Reflecting divine intelligence, we can never be at a loss for good thoughts or ideas.
Yes, inspiration and talent and the power of putting these into action are matters of spiritual unfoldment, of reflecting God. As we recognize our inseparability from Him, we can express more fully the infinite ability which is our divine right. And increasingly be a force for good in this world of ours.
