|
TITLE: An Angel In The Sky By DeBorah Sutton 03/23/06 |
 SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
SEND ARTICLE TO A FRIEND
|
By: DeBorah Sutton
It was the prettiest spring morning I’d ever seen. Birds chirping, sun shining, breezes blowing, clear skies... you couldn’t ask for a more perfect day. As I drove to work, I engaged in my usual driving-to-work practices. You know, listening to my favorite Christian station, sipping a Vanilla Cappuccino, and intermittently applying make-up at stop lights. All was well with the world, but not with me. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I had an uneasy feeling that someone was watching me. Not only that, but… I thought I had seen an angel in the sky.
Thinking aloud, I said to myself, “Angels??? You really need to get a grip.”
…Anyway…
I was listening to Rev. Dr. Louise Williams on the radio. She had just finished playing a song by the Norwood Sisters, and now she was beginning to pray. As usual, I began praying with her.
I don’t know where it came from, or even how it came, but I was besieged with an overwhelming feeling that I couldn’t shake. It was so strong that it stopped me from praying. Was it fear… or… dread, shame… or… sorrow, I didn’t know what it was. But it was overwhelming. This feeling compelled me to cry and weep. Then… cry and weep some more. I couldn’t stop! I began to pray the same prayer over and over and over. Forgive me God for all that I’ve done. Bless me and my family, and to let your angels protect us throughout the day. The tears fell so fast that they blurred my vision. I started to pull the car over, but continued driving because in spite my tears, I knew God was protecting me. Then… just like that, I could no longer pray. It was as if someone had bridled my tongue. I couldn’t speak! I wanted to, but words just wouldn’t come out. I could only cry and groan. The only word I could utter was JESUS. But in my mind, I kept saying Father forgive me, Father protect me and my family. Let you’re angels stand guard around us.
After about 15 minutes the heaviness left me, and it was over. It was as if I had been purged. I felt refreshed, clean and uplifted. It was the strangest thing.
“What the heck was that?” I asked myself. Either I was getting a message from God or…it was time for Prozac!!
-2-
I arrived at work on time and ready to start my day. I’d almost forgotten that it was Wednesday. Payday! This was always a big day for me, especially since our checks came before noon. I mapped out exactly what stores I would hit since I only had an hour. I always took an early lunch (around 10:30 a.m.) to avoid the crowds.
On my way back to work, I stopped by the bank to deposit my check. I was about to enter it, when I saw Billy; an old friend whom I hadn’t seen in years.
“Hi, Billy,” I said.
We performed the customary embrace that you give an old friend. And chatted for a few minutes trying to catch up; but the hour was getting late, he wouldn’t stop yapping, and I still had banking to do.
“I’ve gotta go, Billy. Hope to see you again soon.”
“What a talker,” I thought, as I entered the bank.
I smiled as I opened the glass doors because the bank was empty. I was the only customer.
“Good, I’ll get right in-and-out. No long lines today.”
I walked up to the counter, placed my bags on the floor and pulled out my check. After going through the usual formalities (showing the ID, signing the check, etc.); I waited for my cash. Once received, I separated it into two piles: one pile for me and one pile for deposit. I was writing out my deposit slip when, from no where, a man’s hand covered my money and grabbed it from the counter. My immediate thought was that it was my friend Billy, playing games. As I turned to face the culprit, my smile faded and my heart sunk. It wasn’t Billy at all, but a rather tall, lanky, bald-headed man, whom I didn’t know. He had snatched my money and was running out of the bank.
-3-
“Help, I’m being robbed.” I screamed. “Help, I’m being robbed.”
The bank employees scurried to their feet to see what was going on. As the nervous stranger ran toward the door, I hesitantly pursued him. He was having a hard time opening the door, because instead of pushing he was pulling. By the time, I reached him; he had opened the door and was darting across the park. I began to chase him, but saw a police officer sitting in his van. He heard me screaming and saw me running towards him. I approached his van; and breathlessly explained what had happened. He radioed for assistance.
“Go back into the bank,” he said. And he took off chasing the robber.
About 20 minutes later, the policeman returned to the bank.
“Did you catch him?” I asked excitedly.
“No. Unfortunately, he got away. Let’s get started on your statement.”
The employees and I began to explain what happened, and he diligently wrote down every word. When he finished his report, he pulled me aside.
“Do you know how lucky you are young lady? You must have an angel watching over you.”
“How do you figure that?” I asked, abruptly. “The man stole my money!”
“Yes, he did,” said officer Kamel, “But he didn’t steal your life. He probably had all intentions of robbing the bank at gun point, but saw your money on the counter, and decided it was a better risk. That money probably saved all of your lives.
And then it hit me! The car...the crying…the praying…the Angel. God was letting me know that something was going to happen. Although he did not stop it, He pulled me through it; and gave an angel the job of protecting me.
Isn’t God wonderful!
Even with high rate of unemployment, that Angel is still working today.
The End
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.