Protected from assault

I recall having previously read a few the healings recounted in the new book from The Christian Science Publishing Society (available in CS Reading Rooms) Christian Science: Continuing Evidence of Christ-healing. 

The testimony on pages 215-217, written by Dianne Dallas Selover from Brighton East, Victoria, Australia and published in the July 2022 edition of The Christian Science Journal, is one of them. It is very memorable, and yet very worthwhile re-reading in the context of the chapter "Peace, Protection, and Progress".

The testimony reminds me that Jesus expressed both meekness and might. He knew that God is the supreme power of the universe and holds us tenderly.

Dianne's recounting of an experience which could have resulted in rape, assault and subsequent trauma offers a different outcome.  It also demonstrates that even if we can't "concentrate" due to a "feeling of dread", we can always reach out for a lifeline and grab it. In this case, it was the twenty-third Psalm which comforted her and provided such a "great sense of peace" that "all fear departed". 

What happened next is quite remarkable. I won't spoil the story for readers who may not have read it yet.

As is often the case, the writer considered the whole incident "a turning point in [her] experience and practice of Christian Science". She had "felt God's tangible presence and power and been protected". 

One line of Psalm 23 was especially applicable: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me". 

Julie Swannell

Unimpressed

For ten years, fear of flying had stopped North Dakota resident Amy Nickell from travelling by plane. 

So, when her son announced that he and his girlfriend would be getting married in Wales, her "joy was clouded over with fear" (Continuing Evidence of Christ-Healing p. 197-199). 

She "began a metaphysical study of everything related to flying in the Bible, in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, and in the Christian Science Hymnal", in addition to reading and listening to articles in the Christian Science periodicals. Although she didn't feel she was making progress, she "didn't give up".

There was a change of thought when a pilot friend shared this "eye-opening" comment:

You know, we think we're safe when we're in our favourite chair in our house or on our porch. But our physical surroundings have nothing to do with our safety.

Sometime later, a remark shared on an audio chat from the Christian Science Sentinel resonated with her:

I know that wherever I am, God is, so no place could be safer than where I go.

Amy was able to happily fly to Wales for the wedding! Now, even bumpy weather doesn't impress her. Fear no longer defines her.

Corralling and disposing of fearful thoughts myself, I have often turned to a line in hymn 51 (also #52, #467 and #468) which says: "Unhallowed thought He could not plan" and found peace while travelling.

A beautiful Psalm (139) sums this up:

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

Julie Swannell

Concentrated study brings fearlessness and confidence

Mark Straub’s testimony titled Safe in a Combat Zone is outstanding in our new book*, giving continuing evidence of Christ-healing. It’s long – pages 184-190.

Marc was a Vietnam War helicopter pilot. He says that he was often “required to fly [his] ship into the middle of raging battles.” He explains that “maintaining my fearlessness, calmness, and confidence during extreme danger was absolutely necessary to my safety, and to help with this I studied the writings of Mary baker Eddy, especially Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, whenever I could. This concentrated study through my tour of duty had a profound effect on the well-being of the crew members and passengers on my ship, as well as on me.”

Marc quotes The First Church of Christ, Scientist and Miscellany, 210: 2-4, 7 -- Mrs. Eddy’s advice to students:

...keep your minds so filled with Truth and Love, that sin, disease, and death cannot enter them. ...Good thoughts are an impervious armor; clad therewith you are completely shielded from the attacks of error of every sort. And not only yourselves are safe, but all whom your thoughts rest upon are thereby benefited. 

Marc’s demonstration is wonderful. He emphasises that he read Science and Health whenever there was an opportunity.

The book’s record includes a testimony from his wife Judy, as well as some up-to-date (2024) comments from him. A very fine record indeed. A must read!

Oh! How we can learn from the dear ones who submit their testimonies to the Christian Science periodicals!

One of my nephews was a helicopter mechanic in Vietnam. I was interested to read that Marc lastly flew with the Royal Australian Navy/US Army Aviation, known as the 134^th Assault Helicopter Company. This was not where my nephew Paul served because he was in the Air Force.

Joyce Voysey

*Christian Science: continuing evidence of Christ-healing - available from Christian Science Reading Rooms