I was fortunate enough to be raised in a loving Christian Science family. When challenges presented themselves they were dealt with from the standpoint of knowing that God governs right activity with spiritual goodness for all.

When I started school it became apparent that I was not reading and learning as well as the other children. I had many different teachers, tutors, and specialists working closely with me and examining me throughout my childhood years at a variety of schools.

In Sunday school I learned about the loving power and perfection of God and the practicality of turning to Him in a time of need. It was easy and natural for me to embrace the idea of an all-loving God, watching over every one of his children. I felt God’s care especially when experiencing many quick physical healings over the years. There were times as a child, though, when I tried to make deals with this God: “Make me read and I will be extra good. Grant me the power to read and I’ll ask for nothing else.”

When I faced the predicament of this disability head-on, the emotional pain and fear I felt for the unknown future was great. “Where was God? Why would God not help me?” I would eventually answer my own questions. “God is with me in my courage. I am always safe in His care.” This was expressed through my parents’ unconditional love and patience. Their words of constant encouragement, such as “You are improving,” helped me cling to the life raft of hope in a stormy sea of what seemed like complete hopelessness. I expected each new day to witness improvement. I knew God was my rock. I believed in His perfect plan for me.

My school days were cut short, and at 15 I was accepted into a Domestic Science College where I learned all things practical. I flourished. I continued to be tutored by a wonderful lady on the side and periodically examined by specialists to figure out how to help me unscramble the way I heard and saw things. This is when I managed to read Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy all the way through. It took me a full year to complete and kept me uplifted in my thoughts.

A few years later when I took driving lessons, my instructor declared I had a “snowball’s chance in hell” of passing. The night before the test I prayed more than ever to know I had the God-given ability to be a good driver and understand what I needed to understand. I passed the first time. My life with God was like opening presents, one gift of goodness after another, just perfect for each occasion. I became a successful fashion model in London. The more gratitude I expressed the more good unfolded.

With academic limitations the thought was tempting to hook up with a rich man for the false promise of “an easy life.” This is when I prayed the most, with all the humility I could muster, for that divine guidance to lead me out of temptation. With faith alone I let His “will be done” (Matt. 6:10). This was a major demonstration resulting in the right man becoming my husband, and the fulfillment of children soon followed.

We immigrated to America, and I found a lovely lady from a tutoring service for adults to help me. My husband helped me too. When we attended our local Christian Science branch church he would lovingly point to the line we were on in the hymnal when my eyes skipped rows. He bought me the first spelling calculator on the market. I continued to improve.

The concrete belief instilled within me of improving through God’s grace had been set deep in my thought. Yes, I had setbacks, but that made my triumphs all the more sweet and gave me much gratitude. I had improved far beyond my husband’s expectation, and much to his delight I can now write checks for the accurate amount!

In Science and Health I found “the scientific statement of being” on page 468 very helpful. It starts: “There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all.”

This helped me establish the groundwork of my true identity in expressing God’s infinite intelligence. Also, on page 361, Science and Health states: “As a drop of water is one with the ocean, a ray of light one with the sun, even so God and man, Father and son, are one in being.” This divine Principle of our unbroken sonship to our Mother-Father God leaves no room for discouraging, error thoughts. Christ Jesus, the great Way-shower, further helped to establish the understanding of our birthright when he said, “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). And the Apostle Paul said, “For in him [God] we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28). The beauty of this statement from long ago is as powerful and relevant today as it was in ancient times. Starting with our thought coming from God as our foundation, we can constantly strive to improve, until we see the change we want to see and express our true identity.

My husband and I have been happily married for over 30 years. I started up quite a few little businesses; one of them became incredibly successful! There have been numerous occasions when I have read out loud. Reading is my passion, and I have been liberated with a complete healing for many years now. I read with ease and much joy all the time.

When serving on the executive church board recently, I had the opportunity to read the board report at a church business meeting. After the meeting a member came up and asked me if I had professional training as a speaker because I read so well! This brought home the completeness of my healing and gave me the inspiration to submit my testimony. I have also served in the Sunday School and now I am on the care committee, both of which entail the joy of reading out loud.