By: Elaina Simpson, C.S.
Have you ever had an experience where someone said something negative about you that you didn't like? Maybe it was mentioned to you, or maybe it was said to someone else. If you've felt misrepresented, that there has been some kind of false witness, or that you were treated unfairly... Well, we've all been there at some point. Mary Baker Eddy, (the discoverer and founder of Christian Science) wrote in her textbook on healing, "Your good will be evil spoken of. This is the cross. Take it up and bear it, for through it you win and wear the crown." (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 254:29–31) One of my favorite things about this book, is that there is a true expectation of harmony. If there appears to be a challenge in our experience, it's never the end of the story. Things in this book are not artificially sugar-coated, as you can see clearly in the above quote. But yet, prayer always uplifts thought about the situation. No matter what, we can remember Isaiah's promise: "But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine." (Isaiah 43:1) If you're doing "good" but feel you've been "evil spoken of," remember that you will always be called by name. That is, how God calls you. That doesn't come with human false labels or judgment. It's just Love, adoring its beautiful creation. Regarding taking up the cross in our prayer: Mary Baker Eddy often told her students to do their best. It's such a small thing, but pretty profound. No matter what cross you are bearing, do your best. Take it up, bear it. The crown of healing always comes with it. Have a great evening,
Elaina
______
For updates on future posts, you can subscribe here
Read or listen to Science and Health online for free
Purchase Science and Health
Comments