A story as told by a Deacon I know personally:
How does God know when you need him the most?
That.s where my story begins; A story of a situation that enhanced and strengthened my faith life and my relationship with God as well as that of our family.
It was 4th of July weekend, several years ago. We had just enjoyed a visit with my parents in Manitowoc, and were heading back to our home in Appleton on Highway 10. Mary Ellen, my wife was driving and I and our daughters were enjoying the short 45 minute siesta that car rides often bring on. I fell asleep thinking how unusual it was that the traffic was so light, and feeling good about the enjoyable time we had just spent with my family.
All of a sudden Mary Ellen Screamed .He.s going to hit us!!!!.
From out of nowhere, and with absolutely ZERO time to react, a young driver going 55 miles an hour ran a stop sign on one of those country roads--and slammed broadside into our van, rolling us over several times. We landed on our side in a corn field. My hand was caught under the van every window was gone and every body struggled to free themselves from our seat belts. The smell of gasoline, the taste of blood, and the cries from our daughters filled me with fear...and I prayed with all my heart probably the most heartfelt and meaningful conversation I ever had with God--Begging him to take care of my family...feeling totally helpless
It was a very frightening experience. The van was lying on its side, I had to pull my hand free from under the van and release the girls from their seat belts and we all exited through the back of the van...the rear door was gone.
We were making our way off the road and into a field-the five of us and a lady. This woman was assuring me everything would be okay. She was holding me by the shoulders, looking at my face and encouraging me to sit down, telling me my family would be alright.
When the police and ambulance arrived, she was gone. We wanted to thank her. We also hoped she had seen the accident. What happened to this short woman with short brown hair? No one saw anyone else in the field.
This woman was also able to soothe and calm Mary Ellen. She said comforting things and wiped some blood from her forehead. She was gone when the police arrived. Mary Ellen was looking for a woman with long, blonde hair, but no one else saw another person in the field.
The woman that comforted Mary, the girls, and I appeared differently but comfortingly familiar to each of us. We believe she was an angel sent by God to help us through a time of crisis.
Have you ever experienced a moment when God gives you a gentle nudge--sometimes through a friend, a co worker, or a total stranger?
Just a feeling that makes you feel better or makes a decision or action feel like the right thing to do? A feeling that lets you know you are not in this alone?
The Holy Sprit is always present.
Sometimes he sends messengers such as angels to guide and comfort us. Sometimes the angel or Holy Spirit is working through the person sitting next to us.
There are events such as ours, when you are jolted to the edge of reality . literally near the edge of life.and you realize that in a split second your life can change forever. Everything you love can be taken from you. AND GOD IS THERE gently caring, guiding and comforting . sharing with us his heavenly messengers. He uses times such as ours to let us know that he is there always loving us...We chose to use this event to renew and restore the order and balance in our lives and live like we know we are his beloved. To love like there is no tomorrow.
I share this experience with you because I have found that by telling this story, others are encouraged to share their experience with us. Our faith is strengthened and our commitment renewed. I hope that being here will encourage you to share your stories and allow your faith and that of others to be strengthened.