By Phra Arnsen Blakely, Newport Beach, CA
From the Christian Science Sentinel, May 1, 2023
During my grammar school years, I was often confined to bed for days at a time with what appeared to be asthma symptoms. The malady would come and go, along with much discouragement, and when it was present, I would be unable to go to school. I loved participating in sports such as football, baseball, and basketball and hated being stuck in bed. My parents, devoted Christian Scientists, were praying diligently for me, no doubt with the help of a Christian Science practitioner, and my brothers and I regularly attended Christian Science Sunday School.
One day while experiencing the familiar symptoms, I made my way to the living room, sat on the floor, and began reading a comic book. One of my older brothers came into the room and began playing hymns on our piano. He called out to me to join him as he sang and played the hymns. I thought, How dare he call out to me? He has to know that I cannot breathe, let alone sing. So I ignored him. But he persisted in summoning me to the piano bench.
Finally, I decided to show him how dumb his request was.