Lifted out of mortal mind’s dark rabbit holes
/Question 2: Share a testimony other than physical healing in which reading one or more of Skip’s articles had played an important part in your own spiritual study and prayer and final demonstration.
This year it feels more urgent and necessary than ever to renew my commitment to demonstrating Christian Science for myself and practicing it more selflessly. How helpful it has been to re-read Skip’s articles and editorials, which are a continuing blessing for us all. Of course, I’ve had favorites over the years, but this time I’ve discovered new favorites, which have been immediately practical in lifting claims of fear and despair, including discouragement over the prospects for our branch church’s survival amid declining membership.
These new favorites include “But is it true?” (Sentinel, July 30, 1984), “No longer thinking in matter” (Sentinel, November 12, 1984), “Some thoughts about Christian Science treatment” (Sentinel, March 18, 1985), and “Healing work” (Sentinel, February 1, 1988). Each time I read these, a cloud is lifted or space is opened to hear more clearly what our textbook is telling us about the nature of reality and the possibilities of unselfed love. Several times recently on waking in the night with fearful and restless thoughts, I’ve read one of these new favorites, which reassured me and allowed a more peaceful sleep.
Skip’s natural affection for Science and persuasive reasoning help unpack the metaphysics of our textbook, making healing look possible, however dire the picture may seem. His writings have a way of gently lifting the reader out of mortal mind’s dark rabbit holes of self-absorption. I’m freshly thankful for this continuing light that’s pouring forth from our periodicals.
Thank you also for this year’s citations, which march us through the Christian demands and broader implications of what we are learning. Though I seem to be a slow student, I’m learning to make these lessons more specific and practical.