I heard a sad story today on NPR’s Diane Rehm Show. Panelists were discussing a tragic love affair which ended in infidelity, death and despair. The sorrowful story affected me. Long after the show was over, I felt blue…until I remembered the story was fictitious! The panelists were discussing a famous novel, and I was reacting to the plot as if it were real.

A sobering thought, that our own thoughts may be negatively affected by the thoughts of others, whether or not they are based on reality. Kind of like being puppets on a string, jerked around by what others are thinking or experiencing.

This lesson may have some bearing on the mysterious Today Show videos of several teen aged girls in upstate New York, all suffering from uncontrollable ticks and spasms as if they had a strange disease. Yet there is no evidence of any physical cause at all. In fact, as mass hysteria/convergence disorder expert Dr. Mark Hallett explained, this rare but documented phenomenon may actually be “caught” by what the girls are seeing on social media, Facebook and the Internet. Contagion by suggestion alone! Dr. Hallett referred to the mystery of mass hysteria taking on physical symptoms in the days of the Salem Witch Trials. He likens this modern phenomenon to that one.

There are many unanswered questions about these reports and compassion for the sufferers is needed. Some, like Christian Scientists, may find that prayer which establishes a sense of peace and dominion over one’s own thoughts is a strong defense against the harmful pictures and suggestions of suffering. This kind of prayer has been effective in my life against the omnipresent news reports of disease, depression and contagion. I recommend it.

Findings from Dr. Kirsch’s 36 year study of placebos concentrate particularly on the non-efficacy of antidepressants, but he mentions several other diseases as likely to be overcome by placebos as well. The FDA, claims Kirsch, requires only two successful studies in order to approve a drug, and routinely disregards the many unsuccessful ones. The British government, coming to similar conclusions, now recommends no antidepressants at all for mild or moderate symptoms. Rather, talk therapy and exercise are found to be more effective treatments, as well as far less expensive.

So one could now say with the backing of many medical scientists that faith in the drug, hope in a better outcome, and the caring attitude of the professionals are the essentials for healing.

Faith, hope, and charity (caring) are the three spiritual qualities identified as necessary to our human experience since two thousand years ago. (St. Paul, I Cor 13) Penned by a man who healed a cripple, a fever, a viper bite and even a dead man through prayer and the practice of these spiritual qualities, this advice holds true even now. And there is no mention of drugs in these accounts. (See Acts 14 and 28)

Christian Scientists still put these qualities into practice when facing physical and other challenges today through prayer. Their record of healing may be heard each Wednesday in every Christian Science church worldwide. Other people of faith are noticing and practicing these same truths in which faith, hope, and charity are basic. As Leslie Stahl comments, this incredible and powerful new research is “throwing a bomb” into closely held assumptions about drugs and patient care. When the smoke clears, spiritual approaches to healthcare look even more appealing.

Do drugs deliver health? Or do they deprive us of it? As we wait to hear the toxicologist’s final report about singer Whitney Houston’s untimely death, many are questioning the role of prescription drugs. It’s bad enough that so many celebrities become addicted to, and finally done in by, illegal drugs.  But that this nation’s most talented young stars– from Heath Ledger to Michael Jackson to Houston– may become enslaved to legal, prescription drugs is a tragedy that demands fresh thought about health and how to maintain it. After all, the problems of the famous are the same as those of the rest of us; they’re just publicized more widely.

The assumption of prescription drugs is that life is matter-based and that material law governs us. Mankind are material, mortal beings with material bodies, goes the assumption, and these material bodies define our individuality, limit our health, and finally snuff out our very being in death. Matter and mortality are limited. But yet, continues the assumption, more matter in the form of drugs can improve and even cure the limitations of poor health. Many are satisfied with the results of prescription drugs, and certainly we’re glad whenever pain and suffering are alleviated.

But the trade offs to this healthcare system are not healthy, and sometimes even lethal. Side effects of all kinds, both minor and life-threatening, are listed on the ads for each legal, prescription drug. No wonder so many are seeking alternate means of care.

We know that 80% of all online searches are for health questions, so the yearning for a fail-safe healthcare system is strong. Today Christian Scientists and many others are turning to prayer and spiritual solutions for their healthcare challenges. They are finding not only better health, but also improved character and greater peace. (See the chapter on Fruitage in Mary Baker Eddy’s Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures)

The pursuit of happiness and health need not include the pursuit of drugs.

Duke University Medical School by Duke Yearlook

If we have faith in science and medicine, is our faith misplaced? Most would say no because most people believe in the intelligence, compassion and ethics of scientists and medical practitioners. They have faith that science and medicine are good and worthy, so they entrust their healthcare to these professionals. Most have been well served.

But what if medical approaches are exposed as fraudulent and faulty in cases of serious or terminal illnesses? What if the data is proven to be manipulated and the researcher’s credentials misrepresented? This sorry mess is exactly what is being reported from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Anil Potti, a formerly esteemed oncologist and medical researcher, claimed to have found DNA related ways to predict accurately which cancer drugs would be most effective for individual patients. Now being sued for false bases for these claims, both Potti and Duke are left with a lawsuit by patients who were not helped at all, and most of whom have died.

Faith plays a huge part in the recovery of the sick, say more and more studies. Christian Scientists learn to place their faith in the very Creator of their being, whom they know as Life itself, as unchanging Love, as infinite Mind, commonly called God. As their religion’s discoverer Mary Baker Eddy found, practicing spiritual healing in the way that Christ Jesus, the disciples and prophets did long ago, is still effective today. Over 80,000 published accounts of recovery and restoration are on record for anyone to read in the Christian Science Journal and the Christian Science Sentinel available in Christian Science Reading Rooms. As well, any seeker is welcome to hear more reports first hand by people in their own communities. Simply attend a Wednesday meeting in a local Christian Science church. You’ll hear how deep faith, combined with earnest efforts to understand God better, has consistently resulted in good health. You can also visit www.spirituality.com

Modest case in point. I went to light a log in the fireplace this mild North Carolina winter when the living room was rather dark and the fireplace was even darker. When I reached in I didn’t see the iron cradle holding the wood. There was, to put it mildly, a sudden, forceful “unplanned meeting” of the heavy prong of the iron cradle and my finger. The prong stabbed under the fingernail, and for one second the pain felt unbearable.

As a Christian Scientist, I’m used to turning to prayer on a regular basis for all health concerns. In this case, I fairly shouted out my confidence that, no matter what the apparent power of this pain, the power of an all-present Good was greater. There was no time to pop a pill, call a doctor, or drive to an urgent care facility. But Good is as near as my thoughts, I reasoned, and I didn’t need anything else in this emergency.

It seemed amazing to me that, although there was some bleeding for awhile, the pain disappeared instantly. There was neither soreness, throbbing, nor any need to baby the finger. I had full use of it immediately and thereafter.

Since Christian Scientists are Bible students, and because they especially love the promises and healings of Christ Jesus, I found this verse helpful as it came to my thought and my rescue: “The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword.” (Hebrews 4:12) and “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2) My health was not far away, but as near as my thoughts. It was right at hand.

Dad and Daughter, Photo by s_falkow

It’s not enough to feel compassion. One must be moved by it. Movement takes place first in thought, taking us away from self and toward another. Movement takes place second in kind deeds and practical help. We think more lovingly; then we’re motivated to act.

These ideas came to me as I anguished with others over the cruel fate of the Josh Powell family: first, in the callous apparent murder of the young wife and mother; then in the appalling and deliberate murder-suicide of the father and his young sons in Graham, Washington on February 5. Husband and father Josh Powell himself would seem to be the guilty one in all these deaths. The alleged perverted behavior of Josh Powell’s father only adds insult to grievous injury.

No one remains of this small family for us to understand the why, or to demand accountability for the crimes. In this case the only response to such horror for most of us is to commit to a finer, more demonstrable love for each other. Some ideas:

Donate to a local charity that supports families in crisis
Volunteer to help a child struggling in a home with few resources
Read a story to your children about love, loving, and being loved
Go to a house of worship to hear God’s law of love, and to learn how to live it
Deal with your own demons or get help if you cannot
Hug each other. Do it again and again!
Pray

One who led a life of unconditional love for others was Christ Jesus. Before he healed the multitudes of lack, heartache, condemnation, disease, the Bible says he prayed….and was “moved with compassion.” Christian Scientists and other Christians value this lesson. People of other faiths and keen moral sensibilities do also in their own ways. As Mary Baker Eddy put it, “Love alone is Life.” (Hymn #30, Christian Science Hymnal)

Pray, Love, Move.

These runners are serious. Their appetites are GI-NORMOUS. There are 7500 of them! And, if you dismiss their efforts to race and then gorge, well that’s just sour donuts on your part. Running in this race takes getting in shape, practice, endurance, and even philanthropy.

You didn’t know that all of this was for more than a sugar rush? Turns out proceeds from the registration fees fund the North Carolina Children’s Hospital so that they can provide the best care for children from all 100 counties in the state, regardless of ability to pay. Grants go to distraction items to alleviate anxiety before surgery; educational tools for surgeons; family orientation videos about patient care; and equipment for adolescent support groups, among others.

I’m so glad to know of the many compassionate people and programs to relieve suffering in my loved state of North Carolina. As a Christian Scientist, I’ve generally found prayer sufficient to meet my needs when I’ve been sick or injured. The spiritual dimension of prayer has healed my body and transformed my character. But if I chose medical care, or if I needed to find the best medical care for a loved one, how comforting it is to know that there is this kind of support for practical, skilful care.

I used to cast snooty looks occasionally at those who were, in my opinion, indulging in high calorie treats. You bet that my eat-only-what’s healthful self won’t be so judgmental now when I see someone cheerfully scarfing down a donut. I’ll be grateful that each food, as long as it’s legal and consumed wisely, may have a useful purpose. Today I’ll bless Krispy Kreme and even say a little grace over my lemon-filled you-know-what.

Sheep Dreams by airefresco

Sleep is now a top health concern, according to Dr. Mahmet Oz, who says Americans don’t get enough of it. He claims that 15% of us report chronic sleeplessness, and in his view this may cause any of several serious diseases.

Who knew? Who knew pillow time was so precious? And some of us were even feeling guilty for wanting more of it!

Sleep is a normal activity, and most of us do it well. We love waking up feeling refreshed and ready for the day’s challenges. But do we need drugs or can our bed time prayers help? Maybe prayers are just for little kids in their jammies.

Prayer has helped me for sure. I sometimes awake in the middle of the night, and when I do, I read inspirational pieces in the Christian Science Sentinel or The Christian Science Monitor. The Sentinel gives me a sense of peace with actual reports of healing through prayer; the Monitor sends my prayers outward to include the rest of the world and its need for peace. Reaching out in thought this way quiets my own thought and I fall asleep.

My friend “Tom” wrote that his daughter recently called disturbed because she couldn’t sleep. A Christian Scientist, Tom shared this with her: Her father (Tom) is a good father and wants nothing but good for her. Therefore, he added, “Feeling the loving care the Father of all creation feels towards you—YOU—His beloved daughter, means knowing He wants only the best for you. This includes deep and satisfying sleep.” The next day Tom’s daughter reported, “Fell asleep at 7:30; slept straight through ‘til morning.”

Prayer brings rest. Here’s the childhood prayer we were taught, like Tom, to say each night:

Father-Mother God,
Loving me,
Guard me while I sleep
And guide my little feet up to Thee. (Mary Baker Eddy)

My feet aren’t quite so little now, but I’m not ashamed to pray that sweet prayer in these restless times. You might like to try it. Meanwhile, sleep tight.

I’ve been recently inspired by a new Wilmington friend who practices meditation. He loves this activity and has found healing through its practice. No wonder he’s started a business teaching it to others.

Is meditation the same as prayer? I wondered because prayer is important to me as a Christian Scientist, although the Bible speaks also of meditation. Let the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, says the Psalmist more than once. More currently, Elizabeth Gilbert’s best seller Eat, Pray, Love focuses on the balm of meditation.

In some Bible versions meditation is translated “unspoken thought.” It refers to deep reflection or pondering. Interestingly, the word has common roots with the word medical, which comes from the verb to measure or consider. It’s a mental process we’re talking about here, the most profound kind there is. And it heals, as my friend Kyle Harper and I can attest.

Prayer adds the concept of God to this definition of deep thinking. Prayer implies an earnest, humble entreaty to the Creator. It can also include praise and thanksgiving. Prayer is meditation, but with reliance on a higher power than the human mind alone.

According to my friend’s practice of meditation, there must be a willingness to put aside material values and appetites and an openness or receptivity to better, more spiritual ideas. We prayer people totally agree! With practice, both meditation and prayer solve problems and bring peace.

So I’ve found our common ground. Hear ye, both meditators and prayer people: I’ve planted myself on the bridge between us. The view is lovely, whatever side you come from. Are you planning to stroll over any time soon? I hope so. I’ll be there to meet you.

There is just one game left, the Super Bowl. The regular season of the NFL (National Football League) is complete. It was a special year. The Green Bay Packers flirted with a perfect season. Tim Tebow’s faith and dramatic comebacks stole many a headline. The Houston Texans even won their first playoff game. Yet, the New England Patriots and the New York Giants will now decide which team is the best of the best at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on February 5.

I am a fan of the game. Although I spend more time watching games than I should admit, I spend even more helping to heal the pain and suffering of others. Therefore, it quickly caught my attention when Dallas Cowboys’ safety, Gerald Sensabaugh, recently said, “Pain is just mental.”

The news report I was reading stated that there are only a small number of football players who are able to complete a game with a strained arch and as well, play another game five days later. However, after he helped his team defeat the Miami Dolphins, Sensabaugh has been added to the list.  Read more …

Keith Wommack is a Christian Science practitioner and teacher from Corpus Christi, TX. He also is a media and legislative liaison for Christian Science in Texas. He has been described as a spiritual spur (since every horse needs a little nudge now and then).