Question 3: Share a transforming experience like Saul to Paul which came about reading Skip’s article(s).

I have had many “ah-ha” moments when reading Mr. Phinney’s articles. Those moments are certainly not nearly as dramatic as Paul’s transformation, but are significant realizations for me.

One such moment came about while reading his article entitled, “The Cause of Christian Science needs you now” (Journal, June 2018). Mr. Phinney writes, “You’re drawn to [the Cause of Christian Science] because you see how needed it is; you’re inspired and helped by others, and you in turn love and help them. You are illumined with the growing realization of how crucial this Cause is, not just to the improvement of humanity but to its very survival. You would do anything to serve in it, give up anything to help—even career plans, greater income, personal stature, family approval, comfort, pleasures, security. You would not be impressed by the small number of fellow laborers but impelled by the immense harvest of good to be accomplished and the heartening signs of the pervasive leavening of the atmosphere of human thought already going on.”

“Yes, yes, yes!” I say in response. He then anticipates the question, “But who am I to answer such a call?” and the protest, “I love Christian Science, and I’m trying, but I don’t have the time. I don’t feel I know enough anyway.” An “ah-ha” moment comes when I recognize that mortal mind will always attempt to put obstacles in my path, countless distractions that, if allowed into thought, sow doubt, discouragement, and fear. 

Then Mr. Phinney’s article gently lifts thought above the mist to see what is truly going on. He reminds me, “this is a very different kind of Cause. It’s a Cause that enables and empowers every one who responds to it. Every step to obey, to love, to work together in unity, to bring healing even in small ways, becomes a step out of a mistaken view of ourselves into seeing the wonder of what’s being given so abundantly to each one by the grace of the divine Love that is God.”

Another “ah-ha” moment occurs as I rejoice in each of the small steps I’m able to take that turn thought “from sense to Soul” (Hymn 64), moment by moment, day by day.