My heart is so full of gratitude for the many blessings which Christian Science has brought into my life, that I cannot keep my story of God’s love from the pages where it might reach and possibly help others.

I was born near Boston over thirty years ago and was motherless when two weeks old. At that time it was discovered that I was a cripple, both ankles and feet being very abnormal. My father called the best surgical aid and operations were performed, including four within fifteen years. I was in hospitals, wore plaster casts and braces during that period, and was sheltered from the world with every luxury that a kind father could give. After the last operation I was able to walk with the aid of one heavy brace, which surgeons said I would have to wear always, since nothing more could be done for me. I was cheerful and happy, however, even in that thought, after having undergone so much bondage.

We moved West, where I went to a private school, then married and settled in Michigan. After becoming the mother of three daughters and enjoying a most peaceful and happy domestic life for eight years, my husband was taken from me, leaving me a helpless, broken-hearted woman. The pastor and a large circle of friends in the church I attended tried to comfort me by their loyalty, but I struggled along in the darkest clouds for two years, growing weaker and more forlorn each day.

I had a few friends who were Christian Scientists, but I knew nothing whatever of their religion, until it was recommended that I try this truth which comforts the sorrowing and lightens the burdens of the heavy-laden. One dark, rainy morning I started out in desperation determined to seek for a comforter, if one could be found. I went to our then unpretentious reading-room, where I was lovingly greeted, and with tear-filled eyes I managed to ask for literature that might help me to find a way out of the great darkness with which I seemed to be encompassed. I was told to read Science and Health, which was handed me, and I hurried home, where I opened and read the Preface. Its effect might be compared to the result of giving food to a starving child,—I seemed ravenous and wanted more. I read daily until my nerves were quieted and I began to think and study. In four weeks’ time I was once more a normal thinker.

I attended the Wednesday evening meetings, where the silent prayermade the most impression, then the testimonies. I attended my oldchurch on Sundays until I found more comfort from the Lessons in The Christian Science Quarterly. The church members called, my children started to go to Sunday school, and we began life anew. Our first demonstration of healing was over a most severe case of skin disease, which had annoyed one of my daughters since infancy. This was completely overcome in three treatments. My faith grew stronger each day. I began to take an active part in my household duties, as I was obliged to cut down expenses and dispense with hired help, but I grew stronger as I tried each new duty that came.

One Wednesday evening four years ago I attended service after a hard day’s work. I listened to many helpful talks, and on my way home was surprised to hear my ankle brace snap and break, something that had never happened before. As I was several blocks from home and alone, I was perplexed at first; but these words came to me: “Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need” (Science and Health, p.494). I fastened the brace with a shoe-string and reached home safely, knowing that divine Love had made me physically as well as mentally whole. Next morning I put on an old pair of shoes with detached brace, and with tears of gratitude I walked across the room just like a little child taking its first step. In a short time a joint was formed on my ankle, and I now wear ordinary shoes instead of specially made ones. I am able to do all my housework and care for my three children, besides having taken two extra girls into my home. I also have had time and wisdom given me to establish a most remunerative business, which I enjoy.

Through seemingly hard trials I have been brought into this saving religion of Christian Science which has made me supremely happy. Where money, friends, leisure, luxury, and society have failed to give peace, we have found that God is the only source of supply—the only Way-shower. We are grateful and happy, well and strong, and we try each day to prove our gratitude by our words and works, and to be mentally alert to every message that has come to us through our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy. I feel that there is no task too great for me to undertake if it will help to spread this saving truth.

This article was published in the April 1915 issue of The Christian Science Journal. To learn more about this weekly inspirational magazine, published online and in print, visit HERE.