Do you remember that television show from the mid 90’s? Tess, played by Della Reese was the senior angel, and Monica, played by Roma Downey, was the angel-in-training. They were sent to earth to “Tell depressed and troubled people that God loves them and hasn’t forgotten them.” *
How wonderful to know God wants to communicate with us, whether or not we believe in Jesus!
How wonderful to know God wants to communicate with us, whether or not we believe in Jesus.
A few days ago, Mike and I met an angel, disguised as a middle-aged Black man.
While we were driving from the Bay Area to the San Bernardino area, our motor home started acting up. Like, really acting up – backfiring, losing power, not down-shifting. Mike pulled off the side of the road and called for a tow. Not my idea of how full-time RV living was supposed to be.
I lost it. Crying and curled up in a fetal position on the bed, I moaned, “It isn’t supposed to be like this! We’re supposed to be having the time of our lives. Why? Why? Why?”
When I was done with my hissy fit, we prayed and decided to cancel the tow, which, after two hours, still hadn’t been confirmed (!) and attempt to complete our journey to the campsite in Yucaipa, California.
After an angst-filled drive up the Grapevine in Southern California, our RV finally sputtered into the campground. We had no idea why the rig was running so poorly.
I imagined the worst.
We’d be stuck in some repair shop for days, trying to find lodging and a place for our two cats. When you live in your vehicle, these are real concerns!
Mike called a Ford engine repair facility in Fontana, about thirty-five miles from the campground. Miracle of miracles, they could get our rig in that morning. “No guarantee it will be fixed the same day,” according to Jeremy, the service manager.
While we waited for Jeremy to get off the phone, a Black man entered the shop behind us. Mike turned around and saw what was embroidered on the guy’s beanie: “I (heart) Jesus.”
“I love Jesus, too!” Mike exclaimed. But the guy was on the phone and only acknowledged Mike with a smile.
After checking in, we were directed to the tiny waiting room. There was a man sitting on the couch, watching TV. A few moments later, the Black man came in with a gust of enthusiasm.
“I have something for you!” he exclaimed. He opened a bright green canvas bag and pulled out a handful of rubber wrist bands. Holding them out to me, he said, “Take one!” Each one had a Scripture verse on it. I took a red one and Mike took a blue one.
He looked over at the guy sitting on the couch. “Tell me a Bible verse and I’ll give you a ball cap.”
The guy responded, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it diligently as unto the Lord.”
The Black man guffawed. “Here’s your cap!” He tossed the man a cap that said, “Man of faith.”
The energy in the room was palpable as the angel-in-disguise pulled out more hats. “Here, take off that Disney hat and put this one on.” He handed me a red ball cap that said, “Woman of faith.” Then he gave one to Mike that said, “Relax. God is in control. Proverbs 3:5”
“What’s your name?” Mike asked.
“Toby.” And with that, he swept out the door.
What just happened?
I started to cry. I knew God had sent Toby to let me know everything would be okay.
God was in control.
I was a woman of faith and could rely on my Heavenly Father to work out the situation.
Our rig would be in and out of the shop in one day (unheard of with so many places under-staffed).
The repair would be under warranty.
We’d be on the road again before dark.
Thank God for Toby. The most amazing thing was that Toby didn’t have a vehicle in the shop! He wasn’t there to deliver or pick up parts, drop off a repair, or anything! The employees there said they’d never seen Toby before.
God’s angel, touching me.
Have you ever met an angel in disguise? Let me know!
*From IMBD: Three angels are sent to Earth to tell depressed and troubled people that God loves them and hasn’t forgotten them. TV Series 1994-2003 TV-G
Jane S. Daly is the author of two nonfiction books and five novels.
Jane is addicted to coffee, purple pens, and her husband, not necessarily in that order. A self-proclaimed introvert, she enjoys the solitude of riding shotgun in Rigsby, her 37-foot motor home. But when they pull into a new campground, her favorite thing is to make new friends and find hangouts featuring local musicians. Her fantasy involves writing lyrics for country music songs and hearing them played on the radio. In the meantime, she’ll stick to writing novels. And seeing as much of the country as possible.