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This article appeared in the January 11, 2018 edition of the Monitor Daily.

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A Christian Science Perspective

About this feature

Each weekday, the Monitor includes one clearly labeled religious article offering spiritual insight on contemporary issues, including the news. The publication – in its various forms – is produced for anyone who cares about the progress of the human endeavor around the world and seeks news reported with compassion, intelligence, and an essentially constructive lens. For many, that caring has religious roots. For many, it does not. The Monitor has always embraced both audiences. The Monitor is owned by a church – The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston – whose founder was concerned with both the state of the world and the quality of available news.

Fear of public speaking overcome

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On the day she was to introduce a speaker in front of an audience, contributor Gay Bryant Flatt suddenly felt nervous and uncomfortable. What helped her was the idea that God, infinite Love, is everywhere. She writes: “I had come to see that infinite Love is God, and since infinite Love is everywhere, loving everyone as His spiritual offspring, then I could not be afraid.... I felt an overwhelming spiritual love for everyone and everything. I was able to do the introduction without nervousness. And this sense of God’s all-permeating love lasted long after the talk ended.” In situations large and small, we can call on God and feel the presence and care of the divine Love that frees us from fear.

One time I was unexpectedly asked to introduce a lecturer at a public meeting. It was rather short notice, but I felt prepared and looked forward to it.

However, on the day of the meeting, I felt terribly nervous. This was not something I was used to experiencing, and I felt extremely uncomfortable. The speaker noticed this and kindly assured me that it wouldn’t matter if I read from notes. I said I would be fine. But I really wasn’t fine at all.

With about 20 minutes to spare before going onto the podium, I realized that it was time for me to do something I’d found helpful many times before – turn to God for an answer. My prayer was quite simply, “God, what do I need to know?”

The answer came back straightaway, as clear as a bell. This is the thought that came to me: “Since infinite Love fills all space, then love awaits you out there.” In my study of Christian Science, I had come to see that infinite Love is God, and since infinite Love is everywhere, loving everyone as His spiritual offspring, then I could not be afraid.

I peeked out at the people already assembled and those still coming in, knowing that divine Love dissolves fear. In that moment I felt an overwhelming spiritual love for everyone and everything. I was able to do the introduction without nervousness. And this sense of God’s all-permeating love lasted long after the talk ended.

The fear I had seems minor in comparison with many things people face in their lives. But the tangible feeling of God’s love I felt then has given me assurance that we can all call on God in any situation. A verse in Psalms sums it up exactly. It says, “I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me” (Psalms 57:2).

And that’s exactly what happened. I did cry to God that day for help, and He answered me in an awesome way. Divine inspiration brought a clearer sense of the spiritual reality, which took away my fear. It was such a wonderful lesson – and one that I will never forget.

A version of this article aired on the Dec. 8, 2017, Christian Science Daily Lift podcast.

This article appeared in the January 11, 2018 edition of the Monitor Daily.

Read 01/11 edition
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