Christian Science Sentinel, Feb. 11, 2008.
The following posts are from a recent tmcyouth.com discuss-ion. (Several of the responders were young adults in their twenties.) These selected comments are not republished with the Sentinel’s intent to endorse particular views, but to give a snapshot of current issues young people are thinking and praying about in today’s world.
Brian Simpson - The Christian Science Journal, March, 2008
About a month ago I had a friend over. As we were going for a walk down my street, we began talking about parties and how nowadays, for it to be a good party you have to have alcohol. I told her that I really wanted to have a party at my house, but the one thing I was worried about was that I’d have to have alcohol for anyone to come. That’s when Christian Science came up. She asked me, “So, have you ever had a drink?” I said, “No, actually, I haven’t.” I told her that it wasn’t something I get into because of my religion, Christian Science. I’m always making jokes, and at first she thought I was trying to make something up, but I told her, “No, really, I’m a Christian Scientist.”
Jyoti B. - The Christian Science Journal, Oct. 2007
My life changed after I came to know Christian Science two years ago when one of my neighborhood friends told me about Science and Health. After I began reading the book, I came out of my problems one by one, and I experienced lots of blessings.
by Roger Gordon
“Man! I only got a 1450 on my SAT’s! I have to take them over again!”
I heard this type of remark from friends and fellow students all the time in high school. My high school was rated one of the best public schools in the country, and my thinking was challenged more in some of my high school classes than in some college classes I took. Unlike many people, I loved my high school experience and I will always be grateful for it. But it did have its drawbacks. Not only were the students I went to school with incredibly bright, but my high school was minutes away from the prestigious Stanford University, and I sometimes felt stuck in a sea of intellectual superiority.
by Mark Swinney
Sometimes people say stuff like this to me, “The more that I learn about God’s goodness, the worse I feel about myself. I’m learning more and more all the time about God and that’s great. It’s just that the more I learn about what’s right and good, the more I’m reminded of what’s wrong with me. Sure, I know that God sees me as perfect and everything, but how can I be happy when I’m constantly seeing and feeling my faults?”
Russel Fogg - Testimony from the Christian Science Sentinel, Dec. 18, 2006
After snowboarding for the first time in eighth grade, while I was living in Missouri, I fell in love with the sport and bought all the gear. I snowboarded all the time. I was good at it and identified with it, partly because I got recognition and made friends. But mostly snowboarding felt very much like me being me.
by Inge Schmidt
Ask anyone who knows me, and they’ll probably confirm that clothing and fashion are not high on my list of priorities. If it’s comfortable and looks reasonably decent, I’ll wear it for years.
But after Christmastime, thanks to a few generous relatives, I found myself with some money to spend, and I was actually looking forward to an afternoon of shopping. Christmas had been wonderful; lots of time with family and friends, tons of laughter, and a fair amount of time spent reflecting on a year of significant spiritual growth. I was filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the spiritual gifts and goodness I had received. Even the idea of an over-crowded, post-Christmas rush shopping mall, usually one of my least favorite places, couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. Or so I thought.
Amy Nickell - Christian Science Sentinel, Feb. 19, 2007
When I was in college, I became obsessed with my weight. My first thought in the morning was either “How can I avoid eating today?” or “I’m fat.” I ate very little and often starved myself. Although this condition was never diagnosed, the symptoms were consistent with anorexia.
I was a lifelong Christian Scientist, and I recognized this as an obsession that wasn’t right. But I prayed about it only sporadically. People commented on my weight, but I would dismiss their concerns. I never considered myself skinny. I didn’t think I had a problem, until I stepped on a friend’s scale one afternoon and tipped it to only 93 pounds—fully clothed and with shoes.
Erin Deyerle - Adapted from the Christian Science Sentinel, April 2, 2007
Was it too late in the game? Shortly before graduating from college with an English degree, I decided I wanted to be a teacher. But without the proper education courses, I would have to take the complicated steps of getting a provisional state teaching license and then completing graduate courses and teaching requirements.
I found myself envying people who’d already mapped out their careers and were on their way. Why can’t I just feel settled like them? I thought to myself.
Susie Rynerson - Christian Science Sentinel May 7, 2007
It was my junior year of college, and I’d hit bottom. I sat on the floor in the middle of my room, crying and depressed. I seriously contemplated suicide. Suicidal thoughts had come before, but this time I was drowning in all the vicious reasons why I should go ahead and do it.
How surprised people would be if they knew how I felt. On the surface, I was successful in so many ways—academically, athletically, musically. I supposedly had many reasons to be happy. And on the surface, I was. People were used to seeing my smiling face. Yet, I really felt empty and mechanical. I was drained of vitality and feeling.
The collegiate habit of talking with friends about our mammoth lists of tasks had provided more burden than comfort. A swirling list of unresolved problems—a past relationship gone bad, a severe injury that had recently taken away my ability to play sports, and a demanding college course load—made for an unhappy mix. Plus, it didn’t seem as though anyone understood who I really was. I thought maybe they’d appreciate me more when I was gone. All these things together led to an emotional impulsion toward suicide, which felt hypnotic and overwhelming. (more…)
