Spiritual renewal heals effects of stroke

Christian Science came in to my life in my late teens. Since a child I had loved the Bible, so it was natural for me to accept that Christian Science was the promised Comforter. For three years I earnestly studied Christian Science and really loved what I read. Then I went through an experience that left me doubting that God really existed.

Many years later, after the birth of my second child, I became very ill. Medical specialists informed me that I had suffered a stroke and that, if I lived, I would be an invalid. During one night in May of 1968, at home in bed, I realized that I was dying. The experience was peaceful—as if I was passing through a tunnel of indescribable, soft light. But, realizing that I was leaving my two babies (they were only 17 months apart in age), I cried out in rebellion at not being there to rear my children. I said, “God, if there is a God, let me live for my babies. I promise that I will try to learn whatever you want me to learn, and I promise never to turn back.”

When I regained consciousness, I asked a family member to look in storage for my old copies of the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. When I read the Preface and page one of the first chapter “Prayer” in Science and Health, I fell into the first normal sleep that I’d had in many months. Every day after that I studied the Bible Lesson from the Christian Science Quarterly. I also read all of Mrs. Eddy’s writings to which I had access, and many of the biographies about her life.

The Bible that I had loved as a child became an even dearer friend, and the comforting, calm assurance of God’s love for me grew clearer each day. Outwardly there seemed to be little or no progress. Several times it appeared that I would pass on. My family was very concerned for me and urged me to use medical means with my prayers. Every time that temptation came, the words that I had spoken, “I promise to learn and not turn back,” came to mind, giving me courage to continue on. As I read Science and Health and Mrs. Eddy’s other writings, I had moments of inspiration that so lifted my thought that I actually felt the truth of the words giving me mental and moral strength.

In August, a friend took me out for a ride while she ran an errand. While waiting for her, I was thinking deeply about the concept of God as my life. Suddenly the car in which I was sitting, and my surroundings, filled with a wonderful light. Immediately I said, “Thank You, Father-Mother.” There was no doubt in my mind that I was healed. The outward physical evidence was giving way to the inward spiritual renewing that I was experiencing. By Christmas that year, my weight and memory had returned to normal. I was able to take over full care of my children as well as fulfill my responsibilities in our family-owned business. That healing took place over 40 years ago and I have had no return of this condition.

Since that time, I have also had many other healings including pneumonia, heart-related problems, broken bones, and the effects of an automobile accident. Difficult relationship issues and severe financial challenges have been resolved. Each healing experience, each challenge met, has brought with it a clearer, dearer view of divine reality—”perfect God and perfect man” (Science and Health). My gratitude to God and for Christian Science, and for all who have supported my spiritual progress, is unbounded.

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