I have a friend who calls me “Angel”. She’s been calling me that for years now, and each time feels like the first. I gasp under my breath each time, with a deep chilling reverence for being called such a thing. She believes I am just that for her, but I stand in resistant acceptance of this title. I am in awe of the honor this name holds, and really struggle to wrap my mind around ME being an Angel. The precious audacity she has to raise me higher than I am, only because I showed up when her life broke in pieces… still leaves me breathless. For her, those moments were pivotal in her life and my presence appears to have had an impact on her beautiful broken heart. And it still does.
I could easily call her my Angel too, for she has shown up for me in my hour of need more than once. Friends do that. Perhaps all true friends are Angels in one way or another…
But every time she calls me Angel, I cringe with a profound love and awkward humility… still struggling to accept this honor. And yet, through my dear precious friend, I have discovered that when I make an intentional decision to “show up” and help carry or care for another human being- well, perhaps I just might be…
We all might be.
The very definition of Angel has within it, a profound explanation aside from the supernatural:
“…Other roles of angels include protecting and guiding human beings, and carrying out God‘s tasks.[3]” (From Wikipedia.)
So when my friend calls me “Angel”, it reminds me that I have a responsibility to “carry out God’s tasks.”
That’s a big responsibility, isn’t it?
And I’m not the only one with that call-
We all are.
To show up in places God reveals to us, in hearts God shares with us, and in circumstances God opens up to us.
We are all called to “show up” in people’s lives, when we are needed.
Perhaps I too, have been blessed by Angels.
*Countless friends who have been there for me during many struggles in my life.
*An encouraging note from a parent when I was a teacher.
*A friend stopping by with a dinner, knowing I had a bad day.
*The owner of a store helping me with my daughter while she was in a full asthmatic flare.
*An envelope full of 500 dollars in a Christmas Card from an anonymous family after running my Holiday Recital.
*A Doctor who lovingly took care of me when I entered the hospital for the third time, in a desperate search for answers.
*The woman who let me go before her at the store because she saw I had cranky little ones.
And the list goes on and on and on…
Every day I want to be somebody’s Angel. I pray for God to lead me to simply “show up”, plug into this world and see the needs all around me.
I want to extend graciousness everywhere, because I know how it feels to be given grace.
I agonize over times when I failed to follow His Leading… I was too tired, or selfishly consumed in my own daily escapades. I had too much going on or I didn’t feel I had it in me to help. I am ashamed to confess, it happens often. I ruminate over all the tasks He planned for me to deliver that I failed to do, simply because I didn’t move when He whispered for me to move.
I didn’t show up, when He said “Go“.
You too?
Some of the most powerful moments of my life, are threaded with such Angels. Much of my hope and strength have been rooted in their presence and their purpose. Perhaps many didn’t even know their calling, they just “showed up” when they felt compelled to lend a hand, make that move, dive in and get in my mess to help clean it up. Some Angels were dear friends, family members and even strangers- all impacting my life in many profound ways. At various times, for an assortment of reasons-
They simply showed up.
I’m guessing you have had Angels show up in your life too.
“Angel” is such a big word, isn’t it? Divine. Sacred. Holy. I believe Heavenly Angels are just that.
But Lord knows, I am not a Heavenly Angel. I am utterly human. So perhaps that is why there are “Earthly Angels” too. I believe they are simply ordinary people who God Inspired to show up. They simply move when He empowers them to move. They carry out God’s Tasks. They are so deeply filled with the Spirit, that they know how to listen to God’s assignments, and they understand the significance in God’s plan for them to carry those task through.
I’d like to be that kind of Angel.
I’ll keep drawing closer, and closer, and closer…
To the Task Master.
And I’ll try harder to obey that call.
I’d like nothing more than to do just that.
Let’s try harder together, okay?
Let’s all be Somebody’s Angel.
Hey Chris! As always girl, beautifully written! Love the line…”I want to extend graciousness everywhere, because I know how it feels to be given grace”…POW!! When we truly know and accept His unconditional love for us, we can’t help but extend that love and grace to others. Thanks again for your timely word my friend! Love ya! xoxo
I know right??!! POW!!! I just love that Michell!! I love your words and response to my posts every darn time. You are SUCH a blessing to me!!
This was an extraordinarily beautiful post, and one which I wholeheartedly agree with.
I think you were MY Angel tonight!
Oh Cathy.
I can’t tell you how deeply touched I am read that you read my post and ‘got it’. It just means the world to me! Thank you, my friend… XO
This is just lovely. I’m so glad I clicked over to read this. “Ordinary people that God inspired to show up.” Definitely something to think about.
I am just SO glad you clicked over to read it too!!! Yes- it’s really amazing to think about it that way, isn’t it? After all- I think everyone is powerless until they tap into His power. 🙂
Honey, you so, so ARE an angel. I know you have been an angel to me more times that I could count, and this post is simply gorgeous. My mother was a huge believer in angels–thanks for this reminder of their presence.
Oh Meredith- do you know how much your precious comment means to me??!! You too, raise me higher than I am…. truly. XO
Love you so freaking much. 🙂
I think showing up when you feel God’s nudge makes you an angel – or me an angel on some days. I have more angels than I can count. The man who got me out of a rip tide last week was my latest one – or my oldest daughter who intercepted a mommy melt down I was having on Friday. I think when we respond to that inner voice, we are all angels.
Well I for one am thanking God for nudging the man that saved you out of the riptide. Lord oh Lord, you have had a time of it!
And yet, you still stand strong. Oh how I love that about you…
How do you DO IT! Chris, you’re INCREDIBLE 🙂 I love your writing.
Today I award you no lines whatsoever, because I want you to carry right on being an angel 🙂
OH Lizzy- your words are such an encouragement to me!!! Thank you sweet friend. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. XOXO
Wow, this gave me chills. Be somebody’s angel. I love it.
OH Kristi- I am so glad you came by to read it! I am so grateful… XO
This is beautiful Chris! I love “ordinary people that God inspired to show up.” We can all help people, whether it’s in a big way or a little one. It’s a good reminder.
Thanks so much MIchelle!! I just love the idea that God can truly use ANYONE to bless another. We really don’t have to own any kind of supernatural powers- every last hero started out “ordinary”.
Big or small, my friend. Those nudges make this world go round! XO
I have a feeling we have all been angels to somebody at some point. Answering that nudge when we feel it, even if we don’t know why. I just think about how a simple smile or kind gesture from a stranger has lifted me up right when I needed it. You are an angel with your words, Chris!
You’re so kind, Jen. I always love your sweet encouragement!!
I think you are so right about this… we all have been angels!! And yes- sometimes those simple gestures are so significant, aren’t they? I know I too, have been blessed by angels who merely give me a loving smile.
I had a lot of angels this weekend, when I needed them most. Their angel-ness strengthens me to be a better angel when I’m needed most. It does come back around. We’re all angels for one another.
Oh Tamra- (I guess I can stop doing that now… it’s firmly in my head! lol)
I love your perspective so much!!! I totally agree- how it comes right back around in full circle. I am so glad you had so much “angel-ness” around you this weekend. I pray it continues to bless you and strengthen you- XO
Hi Chris,
Nice to be here again.
Great Thought!
Yea, Let us be Somebody’s Angel !!!
Keep Going.
God Bless.
Keep Inform
Best Regards
Phil
You’re so kind to stop by Philp!! Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement. 🙂
Chris, this is just fabulous post. I think we should not moved by the things people have spoken over you and not up … People may have tried to push you down, but if you’ll just remove those labels and get into agreement with God, He will push you up. It will … It’s not people who half-heartedly seek Him. … We give praise in the good times and the tough times. Thanks
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this Sierra! I am so grateful. 🙂
Love your post! Feeling extremely blessed by your words and feeling the glow of graciousness that has been given to me by “angels” in my life. Thank you for sharing your tremendous gift (my angel 😉 )
Thank you so much ‘my angel’!!! I love so much, that my words and message speak to your heart. Oh, how I love that. XO
Absolutely beautiful, once again. I believe God answers prayers. I also believe He usually does this through other people. We have to listen to and act on that prompting.
Showing up and doing God’s tasks — what a great way to say it.
Good days and bad days. I will try to act on those promptings more; and I will try to notice and acknowledge the angels in my life more.
Thank you for being an angel today by sharing this much needed message. I hope you have a lovely week.
Oh Robin, I just love your heart!! Always open and full of grace and love and true faith. Thank you for stopping by and reading this and blessing ME with your words. XOXO
I believe that anyone can be an angel to another, just by carrying out God’s work. He does nudge us when necessary. We have to be cognizant of it and move when the time comes. Thank you for posting such a beautiful message. Followed you from SITS. Have a blessed day!
You said it perfectly Vicki!! I am so glad you stopped by to read this!! So grateful. 🙂
So beautiful Chris. I have no doubt that you are an angel to your friend. 🙂 You are definitely the definition of a good girlfriend.-Ashley
You always have such precious encouragement for me Ashley! I can’t tell you how much that means to me… XO
Great writing Chris always reminding us that helping others is what life should be about.
You know better than anyone else, my love. And I thank God every day for giving me a husband like you- that supports all my passionate pursuits with such love and grace.
Oh, how BLESSED I am. I love you- over and over again.
“I ruminate over all the blessings I have failed to give, simply because I didn’t move when He pushed me.” Oh wow, Chris. I do, too. They pierce me because I know that those non-moves were mostly the result of disobedience. I pray we all remain sensitive to those nudges so that we can truly be the angels He has called us to be.
AMEN Alison!!! Oh that is my fervent prayer too….
As always, your words and sentiment light up my heart. May we ALWAYS move when He pushes. May we always tune in when He nudges. XOXO
Chris, as usual this is just beautiful. I love this idea of everyone being someone’s angel at some point. I try to live my life now so that I am aware of when someone needs my help, and to give it when I can. It’s hard to do, but I know that it makes such a difference to people! thank you for these beautiful words!
I think you respond to His Nudge more than you think, Alexa. And the more we do, the more fulfilling it is to truly feel the impact of when we “show up” in people’s lives.
I have to remind myself, what could be more important than doing God’s work? (I stand convicted.)
Beautifully said Chris and absolutely true.
Thanks so much Tam… I love you for taking the time to read and comment, dear sweet precious thoughtful loyal dedicated friend. Yes. All those things you are. XOXO
I have been touched by angels many a time and have felt the promptings to go be an angel to someone. It is SO important that we respond to those nudges. We may never know why, but it can make all the difference. I remember someone dropped off cookies on my door step one day. It was one of the worst days of my life – how did she know that that plate of cookies would be so meaningful to me? I’m so happy she responded to the nudges that she heard from my guardian angels!
I remember being so sick when I lived alone, and a friend from the gym noticed I wasn’t there and made homemade chicken noodle soup and cookies and found my address and left it on my doorstep. (She’s still one of my best friends 15 years later)
Those are the “angels” that leave lasting prints on our hearts.
And that’s the kind of angel I always want to be!!! Amen? 😉
Beautifully written. And, so true!
Thanks my friend! It’s a truth we need to live out. Can you imagine if everyone moved when they felt God’s nudges? Oh, what a beautiful world this would be!!
XO
You my friend have a light about you that reminds me of angels. You show up or are just there when I need you and for that, you are an angel to me. Reading this makes me want to go out and be an angel for someone. I love the look on people’s faces when a good deed is bestowed upon them.
Oh AnnMarie… your words just fill my heart with so much love and gratitude for our friendship!!!
I don’t think there is anything that feels better than ‘showing up’ for others. I know you’re familiar with that feeling too, my friend.
XO times one hundred and forty five. 😉
Love you! Love you ! Love you ! You are such an amazing gift from god . I love reading your postings.
YAY!!!!! I AM SOOOO GLAD YOU READ IT!!!!! I love YOU just as much sweet love!!! 🙂
Chris, even though you wrote this post long ago, God knew that I needed it today. Just last night I was struggling with a call that God put on my heart to be there for someone. I felt inadequate, ill-prepared and downright scared. But in spite of that, with God’s help I can be the angel that my friend needs right now.
Thank you for being a part of God’s whisper and just what I needed to hear right now. I believe my friend would thank you too if she could. 🙂
OH Marva, what a blessing you are to share how this post spoke to your heart and moved you! With tears, I thank God for using my words to inspire you to be His Hands and Feet. Oh, how I love it when that happens! <3
Very inspirational I could not have come by this at a more perfect time it’s important that you know this so the word goes on and on and touches other hearts and souls bless and thank you