The Day I Met My Guardian Angel
Photo Credit
Some people think that God assigns one guardian angel to every believer.
Sharon reminded me this week that I’ve never told you the story about the day I met my guardian angel.
Sure, I’d read that passage in Hebrews about entertaining angels, but I had no idea that I’d be sitting right next to one during the Saturday night service.
Back in 2004, I felt the nudge to possibly take my very first short-term missions trip. The church published the list of upcoming trips in the form of a passport. I grabbed a copy and sat in my seat looking through the choices.
Cuzco immediately grabbed my attention. The trip involved drama, music, and evangelism to local schools. The June trip worked well with my schedule as a single gal with eight weeks of vacation from my full-time teaching gig.
The focus of the trip also suited me perfectly. I sang in the church choir and taught drama courses all year long. Why not use those gifts to share His story in a beautiful country?
But, I hesitated. What if I held the team back? My limitations might be a distraction and detriment.
The service began, and I tucked my passport to Peru away and focused on the sermon. The message was on the importance of reaching out to others — of walking together in community. At one point right in the middle of the lesson, pastor encouraged us to introduce ourselves to a person sitting close to us and then spend a few minutes praying for one another.
I looked to my left and exchanged handshakes and smiles with a girl who introduced herself as “Jill.”
How may I pray for you? she asked.
Well, I am considering going on a missions trip this year. Possibly to Peru.
Really? Well, I am actually a missionary in Peru with Book of Hope. I am home for a few weeks on furlough.
Are you serious?!?!? We would be partnering with Book of Hope on that trip. I think God just told me I am going to Peru!
Well, I serve at the main office in Lima, but maybe our paths will cross again.
A few months later, I landed in Peru. Every child I met grabbed my heart and broke it into a million pieces. I will never be the same again.
I was honored to meet The Director of Book of Hope, who joined our team mid-week. At one point, he was helping me cross a very precarious suspension bridge on foot because they weren’t sure that the weight of the van would safely carry us across to the rural school grounds.
A friendly fellow, he started to make conversation. “So, how did God lead you to travel to Peru on this trip?” he asked. I smiled and immediately told him how God had confirmed my plans when I had met his colleague, Jill.
He looked at me quizzically. Are you sure her name was Jill? We don’t have anyone named Jill working in the Lima office.
That’s not possible. Really?
Apparently, my angel wanted to teach me how to fly.
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This past week, I’ve prayed Psalm 91 over my husband and a dear friend in need of God’s protection and healing. I am expecting His angel armies to stay close by their side.
I am determined to #PrayBig until we break through to the other side. In the meantime, I am considering how I might be an Angelic Assistant and partner with God in bringing hope to the weary. Do you want to join me?
How to Live Like an Angel on Earth:
- Angels worship God with all their being and inspire others to do the same. (Isaiah 6:1-3; Psalm 148:2)
- Angels are quick to obey God’s commands and serve others in dire need of help. (Hebrews 1;14, Psalm 103:20)
- Angels encourage the downcast and strengthen the faint of heart. (Acts 27:23-24)
I’ve heard it said that friends are angels that lift us up when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly. Who will you help to soar this week?
Something to think about…
Don’t you love how God sends just the right people with the most-needed message at the perfect time?
Oh, that is so precious and Psalm 91 is such an appropriate message of hope and safety. Praying for your hubby and for you as trust Him to carry you safely over every boulder and hide you in the shelter of His wings.
Blessings,
Dawn
Thank you, Dawn. Excited about your new linkup today!
Here is the link for anyone who wants to join you: http://www.journeysingrace.com/2016/03/09/grace-spills-like-fountain-gracemoments-link/
What a sweet story, Lyli! One time I had what I think must have been an angel help me to push my car out of the flow of heavy traffic and to the side of the road when I had car trouble in Turkey and my husband was gone. It was a frail old man. He pushed the car single handedly. We’ve always wondered.
Thanks for this reminder to be on the lookout for people we can encourage and lift up.
I love Psalm 91 on angels. So thankful that it was a jumping off point for prayer in your recent trials.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful story!
Such a sweet story, Lyli. I have had “an angel” show up at my front door with a huge tray of eggplant parm & have never forgotten that moment! It is amazing how others can so give us a glimpse of our Lord in ways which stick with us forever. Thanks for reminding us to look to encourage someone today!
Lyli, what a beautiful story of how God works! Thank you for sharing.
Love it! Our God….. Makes me wonder what we’ll come to “know” (that happened here on earth) once we’re in heaven. Thanks for sharing, Lyli.
I love this story Lyli! Isn’t it amazing how God sends His angels just when we need them?
That is such a wonderful story! (And thanks for letting me be your *muse*!!) I have heard of other people who meet someone like this, at just the right time. I remember years ago when my dad had a really bad car accident. My mom and I went to visit him in the hospital, and when we were leaving, we ran into a cleaning woman who was so encouraging. It’s like she knew all about the situation, and had just the right words to say. We so needed it. We hugged her and parted ways. But just seconds later, my mom said she wanted to hug her again. We turned the corner where she had gone, just moments before, and she was gone. We looked everywhere. I don’t know if she was an angel or not, but I have no doubt that God sent her!!
He is just that good to us!!
GOD BLESS!
Lyli, I love this story!! We had a similar experience with a guy named Daniel when we moved across the country to Va from La. He “happened” to be staying long term at a hotel we were staying at for a few days. He ended up helping us move and getting us settled. When we went back to drop off a gift, he was gone. No one really knew anything. I love how God always provides what we need, when we need it!!
Lyle, What a cool story! Such an inspirational way to end my day. THank you so much for sharing it!
Happy Thursday!
Megs
Lyli,
What a precious story. I pray God continues to heal Bruce as he recovers and for you to be completely well, too. And I recall an event that happened when I was maybe 8 and looking back years later, I can see it must have been an angel …praying God continues to shelter you and your loved one 🙂
Hi Lyli,
I am perusing today before I get ready to share a poem on my blog…- haven’t has as much time to read or write lately but loved this post…I sort of stumbled on it as I visited.
Hope you are well, In His Grace, Dawn
Inclusion of acknowledgement of Authorship of literary property
On Monday morning, October 23, 2000. I received an email from a friend.
It was those adorable baby pictures by the photographer – Anne Geddes.
I had needed and had been greatly supported in every way by my friends and my family during that period of my life.
I was extremely grateful and thankful that morning… so in honor of my love for my special friends who had stood by me, I wrote:
“I Believe Friends are Quiet Angels who lift us to our Feet when our Wings have Trouble Remembering how to Fly.”
And signed the quote Lorraine K Mitchell with the date and sent the emails to the three of them.
Within the the next few days every email I received from any and everyone had my quote attached to it, which shocked me to the utmost.
One of my friends said that I should be honored that so many found my words so beautiful and encouraging. I wept and grieved.
(I recognized the strength and value of the words God had given me that morning. And I felt as though I had lost my child to the world. My heart weeps for my quote daily because the world refers to me as unknown. But I am here. I am alive. And I desire for my words to know their mother. I am an artist.)
But, the very next year was nine-eleven… and my quote took on a new life of its own. It was posted everywhere, even in a half page article in the New York Times accompanying a beautiful picture of a fireman with a nine-eleven victim. The image of an Angel stood just above them. The photographer received credit, but I was listed as anonymous.
I’ve been told over the years that I have the gift of the written word, although I couldn’t believe it. I shied away from the compliments.
On the other hand my child, my quote has confirmed the power of my gift over and over for the last 16 years.
But lately I’ve been troubled.
My child, my quote is being sold all over the internet in various forms, on small rocks, sliver jewelry, plagues, wall hangings, and on ugly t-shirts.
I’ve found organizations in and outside of the United States that are also using the quote. Associations, fund raisers, school teachers, bloggers have used the quote for their website titles, and two women have claimed the quote as their own. A song writing team has written a wedding song.
I’ve found My quote to be listed as the number one used quote on one website and as number 15 on another as the most requested and used.
And my quote has been used in the introductions and acknowledgements of over 26 books/text written since 2002.
Although, there is an author that I found that readily admitted the quote was forwarded to him in an email by his friend and he gave praise to the strength of the quote by the anonymous author.
But, at least he acknowledged what he knew of my quote’s lineage.
This Friday, I wept uncontrollably seeing it yet again flashed in my face. Now, I am claiming my child, my quote and bringing her home.
My name is Lorraine K. Mitchell.
I am African American.
I am an author.
I am the author/owner and have the legal copyrights of the quote(s) written on Monday morning, October 23, 2000.
No versions of this quote(s) may be used without the legal and written consent of this author.
“Versions 1 and 2”
“I Believe Friends are Quiet Angels who lift us to our Feet when our Wings have Trouble Remembering how to Fly.”
“I Believe (sisters, brothers, cousins, parents, grandparents, nurses, teachers, etc.) are Quiet Angels who lift us up when Our Wings have Forgotten how to Fly.”
Peace be with you all.
Please post my name as the author of origin.
Thank you
Lorraine
Blessings to you, Lorraine. I am sad that you did not leave an email with your comment so that I could respond. Please know that if I ever use your quote in a published work, I will try to attribute it to you in some way. For now, your comment stands here as testament to your passion for the written word.
I did not attribute these words as mine. Please note that I introduced the sentence my saying “I’ve heard it said….”
Found your email. Will be in touch soon. 🙂
I’m honored that you and so many others have embraced the quote. This means a great deal to me, as I am someone who has survived breast cancer, and deal with depression on a daily basis.
Since I’ve begun my quest to inform admirers of the quote … I’ve been thanked for my authorship. So many have benefitted and embraced the meaning of love and friendship I expressed through the words.
Please continue to use the quote with my blessings.
Thank you for your kindness,
Lorraine