Brian's Blog - From the CEO

I’ve always been a comparatively orderly or organized individual, even as a boy, as my beloved mom would attest. And, when I was a college student who changed his major from Business/Economics to English Literature years ago, I read numerous books by various authors, playwrights and poets. Among my many favorite quotes is from the English poet, Alexander Pope (1688-1744), who penned this in his Essay on Man: “Order is heaven’s first law.”

This verse spoke to me at the time and to this day. During this period, I also learned through reading the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer and founder of Christian Science, that she quoted Pope. She wrote on page 87 of her biographical work Retrospection and Introspection: “The poet’s line, ‘Order is heaven’s first law,’ is so eternally true, so axiomatic, that it has become a truism; and its wisdom is as obvious in religion and scholarship as in astronomy or mathematics.”

I was beginning to learn and accept more of systematic order in life and the universe. I began to apply this to my experience. So, later when I came to Wide Horizon (now that’s a story), I quickly needed to learn more about Christian Science nursing. This from Mrs. Eddy’s statements on the topic stood out: “The nurse should be cheerful, orderly, punctual, patient, full of faith, – receptive to Truth and Love.” (Science and Health with Key to Scriptures, p. 395)

Evidently, orderliness is essential to being a good nurse. So, being a former English lit major and teacher, I began to do word studies and research regarding this statement. Here’s a sampling of that study:

ORDERLY –

1. Methodical; regular.
2. Observant of order or method.
3. Well-regulated; performed in good order; not tumultuous.
4. According to an established method.
5. Not unruly…peaceable.
6. Being on duty.

The Student’s Reference Dictionary (TSRD)

Orderly –

1. Free from disorder; having a systematic arrangement.
2. Marked by or adherence to method or system.
3. Devoid of violence or disruption; peaceful.

American Heritage Collegiate Dictionary (AHCD)

I pondered these definitions and the above quotes a lot during this past year of extreme global and national challenges. I also read from the Book of Acts, “…but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.” (Acts 21:24)

I recognized the need for law and order for all mankind and throughout the earth. Though, for me, it needed, first and foremost, to be based on divine Law and God’s heavenly order.

I believe the activity of Christian Science nursing can help leaven the thought and actions of persons beyond the buildings of Christian Science nursing organizations (as Wide Horizon) and churches. I think orderly thought does bring peaceful resolution and methodology. It is therefore my hope that the work of Christian Science nurses and those who wholeheartedly support them helps mankind to feel the unspeakable peace which comes from God, divine Love.

Again, from Retrospection and Introspection, Eddy states, “. . . the rules of Christian Science can be far more thoroughly and readily acquired by regularly settled and systematic workers, than by unsettled and spasmodic efforts. Genuine Christian Scientists are, or should be, the most systematic and law-abiding people on earth, because their religion demands implicit adherence to fixed rules, in the orderly demonstration thereof.”

She then offers some of these rules, “. . .Christian Scientists are to ‘heal the sick as the Master commanded. In so doing they must follow the divine order as prescribed by Jesus, — never, in any way, to trespass upon the rights of their neighbors, but to obey the celestial injunction, ‘Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.’ In this orderly, scientific dispensation healers become a law unto themselves. They feel their own burdens less, and can therefore bear the weight of others’ burdens, since it is only through the lens of their unselfishness that the sunshine of Truth beams with such efficacy as to dissolve error.” (Retrospection, p. 87)

Although there’s always opportunity to grow and do better, we at Wide Horizon work to do our best to emulate the Master by following Christ Jesus, and to be witnesses to the practical leavening and healing influence of the practice of Christian Science nursing.

D. Brian Boettiger

Today in the United States of America is “Presidents’ Day” – the recognition of the 1^st president and the 16^th president of the United States.

Although George Washington had a grade school level formal education, he was a military general, political leader, a statesman and “Founding Father” who served as the first U.S. president from 1789 to 1797. He commanded the Continental Army during the American Revolution (1775-1783) and presided over the convention that drafted the U.S. Constitution. (www.britannica.com) President Washington strongly believed in fighting against oppression and tyranny, and he led the charge to overcome it toward greater human liberty.

Abraham Lincoln, who was mostly self-educated, was a self-taught lawyer, legislator and remarkable statesman. He served as the 16^th president from 1861 to 1865, until he was assassinated. He was the steadfast leader in preserving the Union during the U.S. Civil War, and he began the formal process to end slavery in the United States by issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. (www.history.com) Among Lincoln’s many great sayings is: “Determine that the thing can and shall be done and then we shall find the way.”

Each man had vision to improve the circumstances set before them by serving their country to their highest sense of right. These great yet humble men rose to the opportunity presented to them and stood steadfastly, respectively, in selfless service to our beloved country for the greater good of all.

In my reading, especially of “Abraham Lincoln’s Daily Devotional,” I’ve found that clearly President Lincoln was “a man of God” who prayed daily and often. I believe he must have understood the depth of meaning in this scriptural saying: “Where there is no vision the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18) For he recognized the evil of slavery and knew the United States ultimately couldn’t survive without abolishing this evil. I believe Lincoln obeyed and followed his highest sense of right based greatly on his devotion to God and Scripture.

Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of the Christian Science Church, also loved the Holy Bible and prayed daily and often for those in our country and the world. When women in the U.S. had very little rights and freedom, her vision and perseverance led her to accomplish more than imaginable in her lifetime. This was partly due to the slowly growing wave of freedom and progress after 1865. She clearly admired President Lincoln and his vision. And, Mrs. Eddy listened to and followed God as best as possible in unwavering obedience to His commands and guidance. She too desired to abolish slavery in all its forms, and wrote almost 150 years ago:

“Truth brings the elements of liberty.  On its banner is the Soul-inspired motto, ‘Slavery is abolished.’  The power of God brings deliverance to the captive. No power can withstand divine Love… Whatever enslaves man is opposed to the divine government. Truth makes man free… Love is the liberator. Legally to abolish unpaid servitude in the United States was hard; but the abolition of mental slavery is a more difficult task… Men and women of all climes and races are still in bondage to material sense, ignorant how to obtain their freedom… God has built a higher platform of human rights, and He has built it on diviner claims. These claims are not made through code or creed, but in demonstration of ‘on earth peace, good-will toward men.’”

Later she continues, “Discerning the rights of man, we cannot fail to foresee the doom of all oppression. Slavery is not the legitimate state of man. God made man free… All men should be free. ‘Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.’ … Christian Science raises the standard of liberty and cries: ‘Follow me! Escape from the bondage of sickness, sin, and death!’  Jesus marked out the way.  Citizens of the world, accept the ‘glorious liberty of the children of God,’ and be free!  This is your divine right.” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, pages 224-227)

So, it is upon this basis that we at Wide Horizon practice Christian Science nursing, striving to witness freedom from the bondage of sin, sickness and even the worldwide belief in death – by knowing that life is eternal, true reality is spiritual, and Spirit, Love, does heal. This reality – this freedom and liberty – is available for all mankind!

D. Brian Boettiger

The topic of vision can lead in many directions, yet my focus today is vision that blesses mankind through the practice of Christian Science.

Over the years, I’ve read a number of accounts and biographies of Mary Baker Eddy, as well as all her published writings. I’ve learned Mrs. Eddy spent a tremendous amount of her waking hours studying or pondering the Holy Scriptures – often before starting her day and making decisions.  Like prophets of old, she had spiritual vision through knowing and listening to God.  She delved deeply into the things of the Spirit.  She prayed daily for others.  Her vision, obedience and perseverance led to writing a number of books, including her principal work Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.  During the period of 1875 to 1910, among her many good works, she also founded a church, a college, a publishing company and an international newspaper, The Christian Science Monitor.  Her visionary directive and the inclusion of a bylaw, “Christian Science Nurse” in the Church Manual, led to the establishment of Christian Science nursing as fundamental to a worldwide movement (p. 49).  And, of course this vision led to Christian Science nursing organizations such as Wide Horizon.

Mrs. Eddy strove to emulate Christ Jesus, the “Way-shower,” both in her thought and actions.  In her writings, she repeatedly reminds her readers to follow Christ in word and deed.  Thankfully, through her writings and sermons, she shared much of her spiritually inspired thought with the world.  In the spirit of sharing good ideas, here are only a few of these inspired thoughts or her vision about divine Love, Mind, the holy Spirit.

In an article titled “TRUTH-HEALING,” she wrote, “Pure Mind gives out an atmosphere that heals and saves.”  (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 260)

Later in a message to members of The Mother Church in Boston, Massachusetts, Mrs. Eddy stated, “The loyal Christian Scientists absolutely adopt Webster’s definition of God, ‘A Supreme Being,’ and the Standard dictionary’s definition of God, ‘The one Supreme Being, self-existent and eternal.’ Also, we accept God, emphatically, in the higher definition derived from the Bible, and this accords with the literal sense of the lexicons: ‘God is Spirit,’ ‘God is Love.’ Then, to define Love in divine Science we use this phrase for God — divine Principle. By this we mean Mind, a permanent, fundamental, intelligent, divine Being, called in Scripture, Spirit, Love.”  (Message for 1901, p.3)

And as part of the Christian Science platform, she wrote, “Spirit is divine Principle, and divine Principle is Love, and Love is Mind, and Mind is not both good and bad, for God is Mind; therefore there is in reality one Mind only, because there is one God.” (Science & Health, p. 330)

Ultimately, I feel Mrs. Eddy’s vision was based first and foremost on love for and obedience to God, Spirit, as well as a deep fondness of Scripture and selfless love for mankind.

Lastly, perhaps you’ll find this poem by Kate M. Dickerson inspiring too:

God is Spirit

Gentle Spirit, this I see—
Justice, mercy, dwell with Thee,
In Thy presence, From above
Is our comfort, peace, and love;
And Thy tender, loving care
Comes through daily earnest prayer,
Till the vision, pure and bright,
Fills our hearts with God’s daylight.

Christian Science Sentinel NOVEMBER 29, 1930

https://sentinel.christianscience.com/issues/1930/11/33-13/god-is-spirit

D. Brian Boettiger

Over the past 18 years, I’ve participated in multiple discussions about “vision” in organizations. And, I’ve accumulated a lot of documents regarding vision in all its aspects and meaning. Some are compilations of thoughts and words from various folks. One of those collected pieces that pertains to Wide Horizon is as follows:

We envision Wide Horizon as providing a peaceful place and harmonious atmosphere, wherein the ministry of Christian Science nursing is available to every sincere seeker of Truth.

We envision Christian Science nursing’s metaphysically based care be given to those who desire to make daily spiritual progress toward a full healing and recovery through complete reliance upon Christian Science. 

We envision that the collective daily prayers of every one of our guests, family members, friends, practitioners, staff, board members, and volunteers will have an expectation of healing, and that this expectation will be realized in daily experience for all doing this good work. 

We envision, in accord with the words on the cover of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, we shall witness daily proofs that Christian Science can “Cleanse the Lepers, Heal the Sick, Raise the Dead, Cast out Demons.” 

We envision these blessings of God’s presence and power – of divine Love’s grace and healing touch – are the light on the hill which will draw all who are seeking a fuller understanding of and trust in God.

We have been inspired by Mrs. Eddy’s definition of CHURCH (Science and Health, p. 583):

“The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle. The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick.”

Thus, we envision Wide Horizon to continue in its active practice of the Science which elevates and rouses individual and collective thought as well as the thought of our community and of those we serve “…to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick.”   We are committed to this spiritual concept of Church, and this commitment has been made by the dedicated Christian Science nurses, the administrative staff, and Board of Directors.

Wide Horizon’s purpose and mission is designed to help meet the human needs of many dedicated Christian Scientists in a large geographic area of the western United States.  Therefore, our vision is that Wide Horizon will actively provide Christian Science nursing services in support of Christian scientific spiritual healing as long as it is needed.

We envision, we desire to see Wide Horizon as a beacon set on a hill which shines the light of Christ for all mankind.

D. Brian Boettiger

Last week’s blog on “Love” led me again to focus on “compassion” and the words and works of Christ Jesus. The Gospels repeatedly indicate that Jesus “moved with compassion toward them” – towards those he fed, preached to, taught, restored and healed. This is holy work. All mankind can join and move in this work. Moving toward other human beings with compassion is true Christianity.

A poem by Louisa Mary Coade from the Christian Science Sentinel (March 28, 1936) captures an essential aspect of this compassion which blesses human activity and interaction.

True Compassion
By Louisa Mary Coade

Wrap around thy brother the mantle of compassion;
See him pure and holy as thou thyself wouldst be;
By the Golden Rule of love the Master taught us, fashion
All thy thought and speech and acts until thou set him free.

The Gospels clearly show Jesus Christ loved God and his fellow man. His love, his compassion was greater than any hatred, any iniquity. This love healed. And, clearly centuries after Jesus walked on earth, I believe the world continues to hunger and thirst for such compassion and love for all mankind. True compassion and love are so vital to healing of sin and sickness, to being truly affectionate and empathetic one to another.

Mary Baker Eddy, the discover of Christian Science, wrote, “Let us open our affections to the Principle that moves all in harmony—from the falling of a sparrow to the rolling of a world” (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 174).

When I think of our beloved country and beautiful planet, I have mentally struggled at times to feel love and peace will prevail. Yet I know the desire for and practice of love does make a difference. So, in my small role as I strive to lead the organization of Wide Horizon with active compassion, I do witness how individual and collective prayer and compassion supports the work of Christian Science nursing. I see Wide Horizon as a spiritual house and workplace – one acknowledges and expresses compassion and understanding, harmony and health, renewal and restoration, well-being and wholeness, and so on. Thus, dear readers of Wide Horizon’s field and community, our good works here can be fully appreciated and valued by each of us as we truly value and support the activity of Christian Science nursing. In fact, the more each of us moves with true compassion towards all mankind, dispelling darkness in the light of Christ, the more I am convinced love and peace will prevail.

D. Brian Boettiger