I want to express my for a very instructive healing I had recently. Last Wednesday, as I listened to the testimony meeting, I found it to be particularly uplifting. I loved the readings, and many of the testimonies exhibited so much spiritual growth in the testifiers, giving great encouragement to me to do likewise. All in all, the meeting left me feeling very positive. Then, about half an hour later, I developed a very feverish pain in both legs. I had never experienced this before, and it made walking extremely difficult. Looking back, I know I should have handled it right then, but I didn't. Instead, I thought, "Oh, it'll be fine in the morning after a good night's sleep." Well, I didn't have a good night's sleep, and it wasn't better in the morning. In addition, I had no appetite, and I was absolutely bombarded with every imaginable negative thought trying to tear down any spiritual foundation I may have developed in Christian Science. Such as: Christian Science doesn't work. This is just a pipe dream, an escape from a reality you don't want to face. You're nothing but an old lady getting older, not worth much, and so forth. The worst part was I seemed to have no will or desire to resist these thoughts.

I felt empty inside and found myself weeping and asking God where he was. I just wanted to be left alone to wallow in my self-pity. I believe I was experiencing very aggressive animal magnetism, which may not be real but certainly seemed very real at the moment.

That evening, I was to meet with some dear friends for dinner, an evening I had been looking forward to. I was afraid I would have to cancel. I dozed on and off during the morning, and in spite of my negative frame of mind, I tried to declare some healing truths, but they felt hollow to me. However, truth must have been working in me because, around 2:00, I felt slightly better and decided to read the week's lesson sermon. I figured after I finished the lesson, I could make my decision about going out. As soon as I began the lesson, I could feel my consciousness rising. The words held great meaning for me, and I was so uplifted. When I finished, even though I was still uncomfortable and had no appetite, there was no doubt in my mind. Those negative thoughts could not control me or keep me from my plans. I got up, took a shower, and got dressed to go out. I wound up having a wonderful evening with my friends and, to my surprise, ate a hearty dinner, enjoying every mouthful.

The next day, during my weekly telephone visit with my dear Planefield practitioner, I told her of this experience, and she was very encouraging. She indicated I had done the right thing in declaring the truth, even though it seemed hollow at the moment, and that I was correct in not letting error dictate my activities. I also know that although I didn't specifically ask her for help in this case, her ongoing prayerful support was a big factor in this healing, and I am so grateful. This whole incident has ultimately been very positive for me. I have seen how ugly animal magnetism may seem to be, but that it really has no power at all. I have learned that even in a wilderness experience, when we may feel far from God, Truth is alive in us and we can call upon it. This healing has left me feeling stronger spiritually and more committed than ever to the truth given to us in Christian Science. What started out as a negative has become a great blessing.