from Nancy
I was a young single mom and allowed myself to be over stressed with worry. I had to decide to spend the balance of a month's budget for either a snow suit or a pair of expensive corrective shoes for my toddler. I was immature in my faith and repeatedly prayed for a "sign from God" to show me which item I should buy. I got my sign and more. Before I returned home from work, a neighbor stopped me on the street to say she found a pair of shoes for my son at a yard sale (new in the box and from an expensive store), and would I be offended if she could give them to me. What a blessing.
I heard my kitchen phone ringing as I was unlocking my door. I rushed in, leaving my toddler in his stroller on the porch. The call was from yet another friend who wanted to know if I would mind if she sent over a snow suit she bought 13 years ago for her nephew. When he outgrew it, she stored it in a box and wanted to see it put to good use. Another blessing.
As she was speaking to me, I turned to check on my son. Sitting at the kitchen table between me and my baby was a man. I was terrified. I could not even scream. I felt I was going to be killed if I tried get past him. I didn't know how I would protect my little boy.
The man was wearing a long dark coat and a hat with a wide brim hiding his face. It seemed he was looking down at his shoes. He slowly moved his head up; and as soon as I saw his eyes, the terror I felt just melted away. I felt such love beaming from him, and though he didn't say a word, I heard his message clearly in my head.
He told me to remember that God takes care of every bird in the sky and wanted me to stop worrying about the small stuff. He loved me, and I needed to trust that he would be sure I would be able to take care of myself and my son.
Even before this was clear to me, I was filled with such love and peace. When I understood what he had "said," the man just faded away in front of me. He dissolved like spinning sugar crystals.
My friend on the phone was shouting in a panic; I couldn't speak to her. I couldn't put into words what was happening. I truly believe I am one of the few who God would allow to see his own messenger.
I have not seen the man since. After 39 years, I still get goosebumps to try to tell the story of the angel in my kitchen.