In my estimation Christ Jesus is the ultimate hero for all mankind. His life was humble yet heroic. His meekness strength. His sacrifice remarkable. His compassion and love inspiring. His works unmatched. And, he knew how important and powerful prayer is.

Mary Baker Eddy, who discovered Christian Science and founded an international church, gave six important points, or religious tenets (four of which include acknowledgement of Jesus). The first tenet reads, “As adherents of Truth, we take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life.” And, the sixth tenet is: “And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure.” (see Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 497)

Clearly the Holy Bible is the foundational book for students of Christian Science, and prayer and the Golden Rule are central to the practice of this Science. A sincere deep appreciation of Christ Jesus and his teachings are essential to truly demonstrating this Science. Jesus, when with his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, stated, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” (see Matthew 26 or Mark 14) He had asked them to be alert and watch with him; they fell asleep. Watching thought and praying to see others in their true light as children of God is sometimes challenging. Keeping this promise to watch and pray for the Mind of Christ requires discipline and obedience, which also can be hard to do. Yet, I believe most people desire to not enter into or be protected from temptation. Most people desire to be treated fairly. Most people wish to be kind.

“The Golden Rule is the principle of treating others as one wants to be treated. It is a maxim that is found in most religions and cultures. It can be considered an ethic of reciprocity in some religions, although different religions treat it differently. The Golden Rule of Leviticus 19:18 was quoted by Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 7:12; see also Luke 6:31) during his Sermon on the Mount and described by him as the second great commandment. The common English phrasing is ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’” (www.wikipedia.org )

“The golden rule is a philosophy for leading one’s life that suggests that other people should be treated fairly and with respect. Essentially, people act for the good of others, because they would like to be treated in the same way.” (www.pagecentertraining.psu.edu )

For me the Golden Rule is a form of watching thought and demonstrating harmonious action, often through prayer-based guidance. This Rule is or should be central to the work of Christian Science nurses throughout the world and at Wide Horizon. And, certainly prayer such as described below is also key to the boundless ministry of Christian Science nursing.

Mrs. Eddy wrote, reiterating Jesus’ directive in the Gospels, “In order to pray aright, we must enter into the closet and shut the door. We must close the lips and silence the material senses. In the quiet sanctuary of earnest longings, we must deny sin and plead God’s allness. We must resolve to take up the cross, and go forth with honest hearts to work and watch for wisdom, Truth, and Love. We must ‘pray without ceasing.’ Such prayer is answered, in so far as we put our desires into practice. The Master’s injunction is, that we pray in secret and let our lives attest our sincerity.” (see chapter “Prayer” in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 15)

She also declared, “The song of Christian Science is, ‘Work – work – work – watch and pray.’” (see Message for 1900, p. 2)

Let us all sing this song!

D. Brian Boettiger

The syndicated comic strip, “Pickles,” spoke to me recently (3/22/2021). A grandad and his grandson are sitting outdoors on a step, their dog, Roscoe, resting at their feet. The grandad says: “When I was your age all my heroes were cowboys. Hopalong Cassidy, Red Ryder, Roy Rogers, The Lone Ranger, Gene Autry…Now they’re all gone.” The grandson asks, “Who are your heroes now?” The reply, “Anyone who shows kindness and compassion to others.” The dog’s eyes open; it smiles. I agree with Roscoe.

As much as I might admire cowboys (and sports figures), they’ve never been my heroes. Like a lot of boys, my dad (“Bill” – Wilfred Otis Boettiger) was my first and primary hero growing up. He was a career officer in the Army Air Defense (even though he loved the sea), who served 30 plus years that included several wars. He believed good would always be victorious over evil. Yet, even with all his years in the military, he would’ve never said he was a hero or heroic. Although a man of his times, he was a kind-hearted optimistic human being. And, though set in his ways, he had a very inquisitive mind, desiring to always learn and be active. In his 50’s he became a professional sculptor, mostly working in bronze. Always an avid reader, he was gregarious, quite a storyteller, and later in his 70’s became a self-published author. Two of his favorite songs were “What a Wonderful World” and “We’ll Meet Again.” My dad loved life, his family and our beloved country.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines “Hero” as: a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. The American Dictionary of the English Language includes: a [person] of distinguished valor, intrepidity, or enterprise in danger. And, bravery demonstrated in different ways is a key component of being a real hero.

During the past year, we’ve heard from and seen a lot of heroic people who also love their families and our country. These include first responders (someone designated or trained to respond to an emergency) – firefighters, healthcare workers, paramedics, police officers, national guard – as well as nurses, doctors, teachers, service workers, peaceful protestors, people crying for much needed change, even friends and neighbors. Few of these folks may say they are heroes or heroic; yet people in service to others are often heroic. Many serve selflessly with kindness and compassion, with understanding and caring hearts. Christian Science nurses who give practical care to those in need (sometimes in emergencies) are among these people.

As a nursing care facility, Wide Horizon is a religious non-medical healthcare institution, and the ministry of Christian Science nursing is different than much in the healthcare industry. Daily prayer and theological study and practice of Christian Science are part of this work. Also, there is wound care – cleansing and bandaging – and help with mobility and feeding; but there’s no diagnosis, no drugs, usually no recording of symptoms or temperatures. Yet, during the past year, Christian Science nurses have had to follow similar healthcare regulations and procedures, some foreign to their experience, training and theology. For example, daily recording of symptoms and temperature checks have been required. Most have nobly performed their duties with bravery and compassion, faith and fearlessness, kindness and patience, and understanding. For years, I’ve witnessed this essential work, which has also included all the supportive staff at Wide Horizon. Therefore, I can honestly say these folks who show kindness and compassion to others are often heroic, though they’d never say they are heroes. Christian Science nurses generally strive to follow the teachings of Christ Jesus and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy in their daily work and lives.

When I think about historical figures who may be considered heroes that I’ve read about, there are many. Those that come to thought as I write are the founders of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, women suffragettes, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, NASA astronauts, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mary Baker Eddy, a humble woman who struggled against the human institutions and male-dominated powers of her times. Mrs. Eddy was heroic in what she endured, desiring to help mankind and bring healing to the world. Yet, for me the greatest hero in history is Christ Jesus, who gave his human life in obedience to his Father to show that God’s power is supreme and life is eternal. Jesus taught that God loves His children and His creation, and that each of us should love God and love our neighbors. Jesus was a humble man, yet in meekness there was and is limitless strength. The Master consistently and continually moved with compassion and practiced kindness. The “Way-shower” showed us how to forgive and to love. He himself forgave and loved always, even while on the cross. Therefore, in my estimation, Christ Jesus is the ultimate hero!

So, who are your heroes?

D. Brian Boettiger

This last week has been extremely tough in Boulder, Colorado, my hometown of 30 years. I hope and pray that those who experienced loss will feel the comfort of God, and the caring love of their neighbors. Yet again these tragic events try one’s faith. I won’t go into what I strongly believe regarding these tragic events, except to say I’m a man of faith – in God, in Good, in Christ, in the best of humanity and mankind. And, I believe faith in divine Love, with an ever-growing understanding of God as Spirit, does heal.

Apostle Paul defines faith in The Holy Bible: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) This statement often has been a benchmark of my faith when various challenges and material pictures seem so powerful.

Merriam-Webster.com defines “keep the faith” as: to continue to believe in, trust, or support someone or something when it is difficult to do so. In Noah Webster’s “American Dictionary of the English Language” faith is partly defined as: 1) the assent of the mind or understanding to the truth of what God has revealed; 2) to the truth of divine revelation, on the authority of God’s testimony; 3) to a doctrine or system of doctrines believed.

Although I’m an idealist, I’m not naïve. Most, if not all, human systems can be improved, though this often requires selflessness, true courage, spiritual strength and sincere humility. I believe all human beings can be better, yet I also believe most people are innately good. Most are caring souls who desire to be loving and feel loved. A divinely inspired theological system that I believe helps in this regard is Christian Science.

Mary Baker Eddy, who discovered Christian Science and shared her revelation with all mankind, wrote in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: “The vital part, the heart and soul of Christian Science, is Love.” (p. 113, see chapter “Science, Theology, Medicine”) She loved The Bible. She loved and followed Christ Jesus. She had great faith in and loved God, and she loved her neighbor.

Mrs. Eddy, who used the word faith many times in her writings, also wrote: “The prayer that reforms the sinner and heals the sick is an absolute faith that all things are possible to God, – a spiritual understanding of Him, an unselfed love.” (p. 1, see chapter “Prayer”)

I believe such prayer is possible for any honest, sincere seeker of Truth. I also believe Christian Science nursing, which includes heartfelt daily prayer, and as practiced for 70 years at Wide Horizon, is for all people who wish to wholeheartedly rely on God for healing. Christian Science nursing is selfless caring for others, nurturing bodies and minds. It is loving one’s neighbor while ministering practical care of human needs. Ultimately, it is being full of absolute faith in Truth, while recognizing the Love that heals for each individual. And, it is seeing spiritual reality in the face of material pictures of loss, disease, sin, and death. This faith to see spiritual reality supersedes apparent material circumstances. Thus, I believe the essence of Christian Science nursing is for all mankind, and therefore can bless all nursing – nurses, caregivers, first-responders and all people.

In an article titled “The substance of Christian Science nursing” from The Christian Science Journal (November 1979), the author began, “Christian Science nursing is more than an occupation, profession or career. It is a ministry of unselfed love, the love that is the reflection of divine Love. The nurse’s prayer is to follow in the footsteps of the Master [Christ Jesus], who referred to himself as one who ‘came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.’” (Matthew 20: 28) The author concluded, “In the broadest sense, every dedicated student of Christian Science, every loyal member of The Mother Church and follower of our Leader [Mary Baker Eddy], is engaged in this universal ministry of Love and is enfolded in its blessing.”

I hope through greater faith to continue to see the truth of being and spiritual reality while engaged in this universal ministry of Love, and I hope mankind will feel its blessing.

Lastly, I hope “… I have kept the faith” as well as possible. (II Timothy 4:7)

D. Brian Boettiger

Spring began on March 20^th, and after more than two to four feet of snow and blizzard-like conditions in Colorado a week ago, it feels good (even though it’s snowing again)!

The title above comes from Alexander Pope’s “An Essay on Man” (1732), wherein he wrote in part, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast…” Hope is close within the human heart. People will keep hoping for change, for good to prevail, for love to overcome hate, no matter what the odds.  In fact, throughout history, there are plenty of examples to show it is human nature to keep hoping against all odds. A shallow dive into the waters that led to National Women’s History Month, indicates women throughout the world have struggled for equality, empathy and respect for too long. For me, hope has also the vital component of compassion. It is clear hope has no end date. Hope strengthens the soul. Hope feeds the hungry heart. Hope can bring freshness and renewal. And, hopefully hope leads to greater degrees of faith and expressions of unconditional love throughout our beloved nation and the world.

“Hope” as a noun means: 1. A desire of some good, accompanied with an expectation of obtaining it; to want something to happen or be true; 2. Confidence in a future event…with well-founded expectation of good. Furthermore, as a verb: 1. To cherish a desire of good, with some expectation of obtaining it; 2. To place confidence in; to trust in with confident expectation of good. (American Dictionary of the English Language)

To desire fulfillment of an expectation is key to progress and healing. At Wide Horizon, spiritual progress and healing through the daily practice of Christian Science nursing are among our collective hopes this year and every year. Progress and healing often require perseverance and persistence. These qualities may be strengthened and anchored by steadfast faith. In history the anchor has been a Christian symbol of hope and steadfastness. (See Hebrews 6:19)

One steadfast Christian woman was Mary Baker Eddy, a religious leader and devout follower of Christ Jesus. In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, in the chapter “Atonement and Eucharist,” she wrote, “… in order to enter into the kingdom, the anchor of hope must be cast beyond the veil of matter into the Shekinah into which Jesus has passed before us…” (p. 41). And, in the “Glossary” she gives a spiritual definition of “DOVE” as “a symbol of divine Science; purity and peace; hope and faith” (p. 584). Also, in “Footsteps of Truth” this remarkable woman wrote, “I hope, dear reader, I am leading you into the understanding of your divine rights, your heaven-bestowed harmony, — that, as you read, you see there is no cause (outside of erring, mortal, material sense which is not power) able to make you sick or sinful; and I hope that you are conquering this false sense” (p.253). Note also Mrs. Eddy quoted Scripture a lot in her writings, mostly because she was inspired by and loved The Holy Bible, evidently reading it every day of her life.

One verse I’ve turned to a lot during the past year has been: “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help [health] of my countenance and my God.” (Psalm 42: 11, NKJV)

Throughout my adulthood it has been my desire, my hope, to conquer false sense. This desire has been supported by deeply wanting to know God and feel the presence and power of divine Love. As an altruistic, idealist who studies Scripture and practices metaphysics, I have navigated the often-troubled waters of apparent realism and necessary practicality. So, I continue to hope for peace on earth and love for all mankind. I hope for the best of health for everyone. My hope springs eternal. And, as I no longer am an alpine skier, I hope the snow stops soon in Colorado, at least below 6000 feet!

D. Brian Boettiger

Yesterday (March 14) was the beginning of “Daylight Saving Time” (DST) in most of the United States. Many of us sprang forward! Did you actually feel it? Probably not (particularly if you live in Arizona or Hawaii – two states that don’t shift to DST because, evidently, they have a sunshine surplus). That said, The Navajo Nation, which extends from Arizona to New Mexico and Utah, does observe DST, so that The Nation’s people are on the same schedule. This time change affects hundreds of millions of people in more than 70 countries with the objective to help people make better use of daylight. (Maybe what’s needed is better use of so-called time.) This idea of DST was introduced during WWI but didn’t become an annual observance in the US until 1966.
(https://www.history.com)

Although I understand the reasons for DST, in this regard, I’d prefer the AZ and HI model; partly because when DST begins and ends, sometimes it’s enough to simply adjust all the clocks and watches in one’s home, especially in the good old days! Imagine what larger organizations, such as Wide Horizon, have to do. Heck, clocks throughout Wide Horizon’s buildings vary even when they’re all set to approximately the same time! Yet, we consistently do a notably good job of maintaining daily schedules to provide Christian Science nursing care and food service no matter what the time.

As a related note, the Babylonians and Egyptians began to measure time around 5,000 years ago. The ancient Egyptians were using the sundial – a “sun-powered clock” – around 1500 BC. Greek and Roman cultures created water clocks, and calendars were created.  Mechanical clocks were invented in Europe in the 13^th century, and churches became the driving force for clock production. The more reliable pendulum clock developed in the mid-1600s. Then followed portable clocks and timepieces, pocket and wrist watches, and now computer watches and smartphones.
(https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-chronicle-of-timekeeping-2006-02/)

So, why mankind’s fascination with keeping time? How often do people exclaim, “I don’t have enough time” or “why is this taking so much time”? Do most people think about the erroneous influences of daytime and nighttime? In what ways does time seem to control behavior, schedules, work, and even play? And, how much time is lost due to TikTok?

Time is defined in multiple ways as either a noun or a verb, including: 1) a particular portion or part of duration, whether past, present, or future. (The Student’s Reference Dictionary); 2) the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole (Oxford English Dictionary); 3) plan, schedule, or arrange when something should happen or be done (OED); 4) to regulate, to measure (American Dictionary of the English Language).

Now a bit more about the concept of time. Albert Einstein once wrote in a letter to a colleague’s widow, “For we convinced physicists the distinction between past, present, and future is only illusion, however persistent.”  And Brian Greene, professor of physics and mathematics at Columbia University, quotes Einstein as saying, “The passage of time is in the eye of the beholder.”  Therefore, such physicists now speak of a “time sense,” noting that with what is known as “coincidence-ordinate,” we are left with only consciousness, and time disappears.  (www.briangreene.org)

So, even though this blog has taken more time to write than planned, and as most, if not all, of the historical figures whom influenced time as given above were men, and March is National Women’s Month, again I’ll give another shout out to a remarkable woman who positively influenced her times.

Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer and founder of Christian Science, used the word “time” many times in her writings. In the “Glossary” of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, she gives this definition: “TIME. Mortal measurements; limits, in which are summed up all human acts, thoughts, beliefs, opinions, knowledge; matter; error; that which begins before, and continues after, what is termed death, until the mortal disappears and spiritual perfection appears” (p. 595). She also partly defines “DAY” as “the irradiance of Life; light, the spiritual idea of Truth and Love” (p. 584). These are different definitions than which most folks are familiar. If you’ve the time, think about it.

Mrs. Eddy also quotes Apostle Paul a number of times, including: “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (II Corinthians 6:2) Clearly, “now” is important! And, a close reading of The Bible accordingly will show time alone heals nothing. Therefore, time definitely does not heal all wounds! Love does, but not time.

In the “Preface” of Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy wrote, “To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, to-day is big with blessings.” She continued on the same page, “The time for thinkers has come. Truth, independent of doctrines and time-honored systems, knocks at the portal of humanity. Contentment with the past and the cold conventionality of materialism are crumbling away” (p. vii).

So, whether it’s DST or not, “Blessed is he that readeth, … for the time is at hand.” (Revelation 1:3)

D. Brian Boettiger