Have you Ever Been Visited by an Angel?
Two Angel Rescue Stories
One day Debby Gass was driving through Nevada when her sports car ran out of gas. A young woman, alone in a small car, on a desert highway with no one around—it had all the elements that cause us to be afraid. Soon a big tractor-trailer pulled up and a six-foot-tall driver got out and asked, “Can I help you, lady?” When she explained her predicament, he told her to lock her car and come with him to a service station a few miles up the interstate.
Pixabay image
What to do? The voice of God within Debby, a voice she’d learn to trust whispered, “It’s okay, Go with him.” As they drove together the man told her he’d been in prison, met Christ, and his life had been radically changed. He showed her pictures of his wife and family. When they returned to her car he poured a can of gas into her tank, said goodbye, and left.
Then it happened! Just as Debby turned her car around to leave—on a highway with a clear view for miles in either direction—the truck was nowhere to be seen. Just like that, a forty-ton tractor-trailer and its driver disappeared! The Bible says, “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realized it!” Debby is convinced God sent an angel to help her that day.
Grandma Fannie Longenecker
My Grandma L. was a busy body. The cycle of seasons planned her work, especially outside of her house. She tended her garden in the spring and summer, and didn’t shy away from shoveling snow in the winter.
Grandma in sun-bonnet shoveling snow in Pennsylvania, 1950s (snap from video)
Once she told me a miraculous story . . .
“Marian, I was shoveling snow, fell down in the cold stuff, and couldn’t get up. I was really afraid. Ruth wasn’t home and I didn’t know what to do. I certainly didn’t want to lie there and die.
Then out of the blue, a man with kind-looking eyes walked in my direction and gently lifted me up and set me on my feet. It took a few seconds for me to find my balance. When I turned to thank him, he was nowhere to be seen. Where had he gone?
He must have been an angel.”
“Some …have…entertained angels without realizing it.” Hebrews 13:2 NLT
I used the photo of grandma shoveling snow in a blog post in 2014, but I’ve not told the story of her miraculous rescue until now.
*****
Debby is convinced God sent an angel to help her that day in the desert. What do you think?
Can you share a story of a dramatic rescue you have heard about or experienced? (‘m currently reading Eric Metaxas’ Miracles.)
Your post reminded me of one of my all-time favorite shows, Marian…Touched by an Angel. I loved both of these stories! Yes, I do believe God sends people into our lives to help us, at the exact moment we’re in need. Many years ago, I had a close call on a busy interstate where a wheel barrel fell off of a pickup truck in front of me. There was no possible way for me to miss hitting it and avoid having a horrific accident, as there was no shoulder and a steep ravine. God miraculously moved that wheel barrel out of my path. Loved this post! xo
In the dreary days of winter, it’s wonderful to read this miraculous story. Not everyone experiences such an intervention. You were obviously touched by an angel. Thanks for starting the conversation here today, Jill.
What lovely stories! And I am inclined to believe them. I was involved in a horrible car crash from which I walked out almost unscathed but for a couple of minor cuts on my arm ( I still have the scars). Both the couple who phoned for the ambulance and the paramedics said they hadn’t expected anyone to come out of there alive. Something or someone cushioned me from the wreck that should have been fatal. 😇
I’m glad you lived to tell the story and recount it here. How encouraging, Fatima!
It wasn’t my time to go yet, I suppose, but I am still scared to drive in the dark on the motorway.
Probably driving at night is not the best time to be out on the motorway anyway.
No, it wasn’t your time – I hope you still have a lot of life ahead of you to enjoy!
Good morning, Marian! I’m glad someone or something helped your grandmother and the woman in your first story. There are definitely things we don’t understand in this world. 🙂
It’s hard to grasp the supernatural with our natural minds. And, yes, so much is mystery.
I hope you are meeting your deadlines. One thing for sure: Your family is eating well as I notice on Facebook: cooking and baking seem to be a good stress-reliever for you. 🙂
Miracles happen every day, we just don’t always recognize them. I’m sure angels are busy keeping an eye on us. Love both of these stories.
You probably keep account of miracles large and small in your gratitude pages, Darlene. But like you, I believe I’m not aware of miracles I might see, but not comprehend. I’m thankful for bad things that don’t happen too: like the car swerving right in front of us on I-95 last Sunday.
Oh my! I’m thankful nothing bad happened to you as well.
Thankful too, Darlene!
Wonderful stories, Marian! Let me tell you what happened to my parents. Several years ago, they were traveling in South Dakota when they saw a hitchhiker on the road. They don’t normally pick up hitchhikers. But Mom heard God tell her to pick the guy up. Well, when they did, he wound up telling them about a family who had lost a child the previous year. The child had drowned. They dropped the guy off soon after that. But when Mom turned around to see where the guy would go, she didn’t see him!
They continued on to a mountain they had wanted to visit. While on the mountain, they met a couple. The couple told them that they weren’t going to go on the vacation at first. They’d lost a child and weren’t in the mood for a vacation. But they went because they knew the child would have wanted them to go. Yes, it turns out they were the couple the man had talked about! My parents asked the couple if they knew the guy they picked up. They hadn’t known him. Anyway, my parents wound up talking to them about God and praying with them.
L. Marie, there are too many meshing incidents in this story to explain it as coincidental. Obviously, your parents felt a supernatural nudge to respond. In the end, you and they could see the “links” in the story. I believe that many times we don’t comprehend God’s workings in our lives because we are finite beings, incapable of seeing the whole picture. Thanks for posting this!
One time I was driving my Toyota 4×4 pickup along a perfectly clear road in perfectly clear weather. I just went down a steep bank and rolled over. Somehow, I was fine, although the cab over my head was badly dented. I even drove the truck out of the ditch and just then a trucker was walking toward my moving pickup.
I stopped and got out. He had a look of total amazement on this face. He said, “Lady, are you alright?” and when I said yes, he was completely amazed. Apparently he’d seen my truck roll over and right itself again. I knew I’d had Divine intervention.
I’m guessing the trucker saw the whirligig maneuvers of your truck and anticipated a “badly dented” body too – yours. How wonderful that you made it through this ordeal unharmed. Your presence on social media echoes your belief in Divine intervention. Thank you, Mia.
I love the way you use the term “busy body.” Sometimes I think that our ancestors were happier for being busy all the time. I like her angel story very much.
Thanks for picking up on that, Arlene. Grandma was busy, but every day after lunch (which she called dinner) she’d put her feet up and take a nap. After about 20 minutes, she was “good to go” again!
My father did the same. We also called lunch dinner and dinner supper. Every day after lunch he’d stretch out on the couch for a 20 to 30 minute nap. A lost practice that should be revived!
🙂
Good morning, Marian. Miracles are the basis of our faith, yes?. We cannot hope to understand or ask why. I, too, had an experience. A man helped me find John’s grave and when I turned around he was gone .. .an angel? Here’s the blog post, which I am only posting because it takes too long to recap. http://www.susanweidener.com/2015/06/the-flicker-of-curiosity-finds-writer.html
I just read your blog post, published before you and I were friends online. However you label it — serendipitous or providential — your story is nothing short of a miracle.
Just now I think of C. S. Lewis’ fine, old book The Problem of Pain. Obviously, he does not attempt to offer a complete solution to why suffering occurs (or doesn’t), but he does believe that much of our “knowing” is shrouded in mystery. We are finite, with incomplete knowledge, attempting to make sense of our lives. Thanks for adding this sweet story, Susan.
Yes! I have heard of so many miracles. To me, though, of all the stories of healing or being helped, the ones that move me deepest are the stories of regenerated, transformed lives. I just finished the story of Louis Zamborini in Laura Hillenbrand’s Unbroken, and that God has the power to place forgiveness in the heart of a man who endured what Louis endured–that is a miracle that causes me to stand in awe and to know for a certainty that our God is powerful.
Thank you, Luci, for referring to Unbroken, a book on my want-to-read list.
Like the character in Hillenbrand’s book, a friend of our family has had to endure the loss of her daughter through murder. Just today she send a text: “After the sentencing I can begin to heal. How I praise God that I forgave him the day we found her. Listening to the details would have really killed me [if I hadn’t]. Love trumps hate. Yes, our God is powerful.”
I had complications from an epidural that I never got after Big Guy was born. I was in agony. I couldn’t eat, sleep, bathe, or even get up without help, and even then the pain was so bad I vomited. I certainly couldn’t visit my baby in the NICU.
Because I was only 16, the nurses weren’t kind or helpful. They accused me of being lazy, and only came near me to fill in their charts. After a week, I was scheduled for a painful spinal procedure to correct the damage done. That morning, a maternity nurse was reassigned to my area. She washed my face, brushed my hair and helped me brush my teeth in bed. She was so gentle and sweet. She promised to visit me when I came back after the procedure. I never saw her again. She may not have been an angel but she ministered to my soul and body like one, and I thank God for her upon every remembrance! 🙂
It seems as though help often comes when we’re approaching Wit’s End street. I’m glad you had a kind, caring presence to help with grooming, one you can thank God for. Thanks for the encouraging words, Jenn.
Recently my husband and I were driving on I-81. I forget why the subject of hitchhiking came up, but I retold him my story of running out of gas on a trip back to EMU (from Florida) as a college sophomore. My friend drove most of the way as it was her car, but I told her I’d take a shift. Like a dummy, I ran out of gas. She woke up as the car stopped and I told her the problem. I felt very responsible (I was!!) and vowed to get us some gas. So I hopped out of the car and it wasn’t too long before a trucker (just like in your example above) pulled over to ask what our problem was. He offered to drive me to the next exit. I said a big prayer and rode in his cab; he pulled off at the next exit, he had a can for gas, and we drove back to her car.
Only when we got back did she say “I was sure I was never going to see you again.” He was a real man angel, and a real man to be so generous with his time. We thanked him and went on our way. But his truck did NOT disappear! Long before cell phones!!
Thanks for your real man angel story, Melodie. In the Hebrew Bible, the only angel with names I can think of are men, Gabriel and Michael. Surely there are others. Interestingly, we often associate the word “angel” with women; e. g., ministering angel.
I had to smile when you called yourself a dummy. We’re all dummies sometimes. Your goof could maybe be explained by the fact you were in an unfamiliar car. Anyway, you “paid” for the oversight and were rewarded with someone special who came to your aid. Great story – thanks!
Oh, how I relate to and love this post. Yes, I believe in ‘angels,’ or whatever we name a spiritual presence that solidifies in some way to help us in this dimension that we live in (I hope that’s not too hocus pocus – I JUST finished writing a post for my Friday blog that includes hocus pocus that I believe in, so I’m in that mode). 🙂
I have so so many times that I’ve been visited – been helped – when suddenly the person ‘disappears’ once I’m okay. You’re inspiring me to write about one of those times in a future blog post. But in the meantime, a few years ago I was driving on a windy dangerous road. I hated it. Suddenly a large car (pick-up) came out of nowhere and I knew I was a goner. I knew it so much that I just closed my eyes and prayed. Seconds later, I heard no crash, opened my eyes, and the road was clear. I don’t care what anyone says, I got help!!! xo
I will not dispute your story, Pam. It has to be true because you witnessed it.
In previous comments, I mentioned that we humans have limited sight and understanding, bound as we are in the natural world/dimension. What happened to you illustrates that belief for sure. No hocus-pocus!
I look forward to your special posts coming up, as I always do. Thank you! 🙂
Please allow me to relate three family accounts. I hope there is no offense taken by my admission that I am both a skeptic and a believer.
Around 1965 I was transporting Kathleen Stauffer and my sister Shirley between Elizabethtown and Bainbridge PA. A tire blew out and my VW flipped on its roof. None of us experienced the slightest injury. As the car turned over, I felt like a cushion was wrapped around me. Someone at Good’s Church commented,”The Lord must have plans for you.” I wanted to believe in divine protection, but I cannot explain why some would receive a heavenly secret service agent and many others do not. In 1978 I suffered multiple injuries including a fractured neck. Why would God protect me at the age of 22 but not at age 32? We often claimed God’s intervention when escaping harm. When someone dies due to tragedy, people frequently say, “God called him home,” or it was “God’s Will.” I don’t know if or how angelic protection takes place.
My grandfather Henry Martin Baer told of his experience quarrying rocks on a ledge when he “heard” a male voice say, “Move to your left!” Immediately after he stepped sideways, a large boulder fell where he had been standing. I seems that sometimes we are protected by our spiritual perceptions and certainly by our human relationships.
During our 1970 honeymoon my former wife and I broke down on 1-A1 in Florida. A quiet man appeared, looked at our situation and identified the defective part. He went to a parts store, purchased the item and installed it. When I offered payment, he refused to accept it. He did give us his name and the his work location at a specified chiropractic office in a specific town. Hoping to send him a gift, I later called their medical office assistant. “No one with that name works here.” We wondered about our experience with “The Man Who Did Not Exist.”
These are wonderful stories, Conrad. And it doesn’t matter here how you label yourself. I find myself at times both believer and skeptic too. Are you familiar with C. S. Lewis’ book The Problem of Pain? He contends that as finite, temporal beings we cannot fully understand the big picture as God sees it, including the existence of suffering. In the natural world, we can only imagine the supernatural although at times (like in your stories) it appears that we experience divine visitations.
I can visualize the places you describe: Elizabethtown and Bainbridge, where our family had a large field. That’s one reason it’s so good to read comments from those who share my history. Thank you!
My mother died in her mid eighties. My youngest sister was very close to her and made mom promise that if possible she should be in contact with her after she died. Mom said she didn’t think that would be right, as the Bible says there is a great chasm between the two worlds but if she could, sure why not.
Some time after my mom died my sister was shopping. She noticed this lady walking behind her, looking like a typical Mennonite woman (wearing a head scarf). When my sister stopped in the mall to look into a mirror this woman came up behind her, and said to her, “I saw you from the back, but you look even more beautiful when I see your face.” and then she walked away. Those were the exact words mom used to say to my sister when she sewed clothes for her and my sister would turn around as she was trying them on! My sister is sure that mom kept her promise!
Who are we to contradict what your sister says she experienced? Your story sent shivers down my spine. It certainly gives insight into the treasured relationship your mother had with your sister, and probably you as well.
My mother wore a head scarf too, which she called a bandanna. I would be thrilled (but dumbstruck) if I experienced a visitation from Mother. Thanks for this touching story, Elfrieda
My mother was visited by her mother after my grandmother died at age 55. She told me the story often, and it seemed to help her overcome immense grief at being left alone at the age of 24 without the mother love and support she had always counted on. The only tangible thing I want from my mother some day is the little green rocking chair that she says her mother sat in when she appeared in the vision.
Shirley, your story prompts me to think about the liminal space between heaven and earth, that threshold between reality and mystery. That has to be where experiences like your mother describes emanate, just as in Julian of Norwich’s Revelations of Divine Love.
I can imagine one day that little green rocking chair will rest in your home providing comfort and treasured memories. Thank you for sharing this!
Amazing accounts! Even when my beliefs have been going through changes, I have always believed in Angels.
Angels are often spiritually centered/evolved people. And, as the accounts above show, we also have experiences with Angels or with Mystery which we can’t explain.
Ironically, truck drivers are often helpers (as well as at times sick people who commit perversions).I, in my 20’s, fortunately too was helped by a truck driver on 294 near Chicago in the middle of rush hour on a very hot summer day with a bad radiator. When he first approached me I noticed he had a cross and a bible verse on his truck. He was also kind and gave me radiator coolant to get me to the next gas station.
Again, when I was even younger, I went to spend a weekend with a new friend from work. Another friend drove me there. Crazy things started to happen, she was evicted. Her boyfriend, a sailor, came to meet with us with another guy. This guy also a sailor, had just been released from the brig (Navy jail). I was afraid to call my dad thinking he would be mad because it was now late. We found a place to stay but I didn’t know if I was safe because my friend went off with her boyfriend. I was very sheltered and innocent. Again, I noticed he was wearing a crucifix. All at once, I became peaceful and he became a protector. I was safe.I believe there was an unseen Angel with us.
Audrey, your angel stories are very affecting.
It seems that most of the stories I’m reading today involve people in transition, going from one place to another. Your two stories suggest that when we are most vulnerable, angels (often in disguise) appear to help in distress. You were wise to notice clues like the Bible reference and the crucifix, which gave you comfort and assurance.
It’s good to hear from you. Thank you!
Those are amazing stories. I suspect I’ve been visited by angels, but I’ve been too dense to know it. I’ve always like that verse from Hebrews.
I’m often in the “dense” category too, probably because I’m preoccupied with other stuff, not “tuned in.” Thanks for the insight, Ally. I’m glad you enjoyed the stories! 🙂
What a lovely story. And that photo is a treasure!
Thank you, Lady Fi! It’s a snap from home video my aunt took in their back yard on a snowy morn.
Heartlifting stories, Marian. I believe in miracles, but I have yet to fully understand or describe what I mean by that. As far as angels, I’m sure they exist in human form everywhere. Luckily, the world isn’t all doom and gloom. And, there might be spirits and different dimensions, but I haven’t come across any yet. I think. 🙂
Yes, Liesbet, I think miracles are mysterious, that’s what makes them miracles, hard to understand. And like you suspect, they probably exist in different dimensions. Thanks for your insight today as you “roam about” and stay put too. 🙂
How lovely that someone helped your grandmother…I do believe that in our time of need we sometimes get help from unexpected soureces and sometimes we can’t explain what has happened…Just that it has x
You comment reminds me that miracles sometimes can’t be explained, only recognized and appreciated. Thanks, Carol!
Wonderful and heart inspiring stories Marian and from your commentators. Angels must have been visiting or I got in the way on a few occasions where I was involved in life threatening situations. The one that comes immediately to mind is when a truck didn’t stop and upended me and my car on the other side of the road. How I got out there alive I do not know but I remember my younger son praying with all his might over my head as I lay there injured – yes, I believe
Thanks for reading the post – and the comments. too, Susan. I hope they brought joy to your day. And thank you for adding another miraculous story to the mix here. Your younger son definitely believes in the power of prayer also – good for him!
Such endearing stories …the mysteries of the world . Who knows Marian I would truly love for there to be angels in our world we’d all feel a little safer .
I’ve never met an angel , that I am aware , but I met a neighbour once , who I hardly ever spoke to , that chatted to me just when I needed it , when I felt down and a litttle lonely . Since I’ve moved we are still in touch via Facebook…so lovely , I’ve never forgotten that special moment.
Cherryx
Thank you for sharing that special moment with a neighbour, Cherry! i’ve never seen an angel either (no white robe or wings) ,but like you I have experienced angels in human form for sure. 🙂
Marian — I am a firm believer in angels and their help in our safety and protection. I’ve been in two horrific car accidents where the first responders said I had no business still being alive. In both instances, I sustained only minor injuries.
Apparently your have nine lives – probably more! I’m glad the angels responded to the call to help you in dire need. I have no doubt wee Luna Bleue has an angel assigned to her, hopefully with no urgent need, ever. Thanks for appearing here with your story, Laurie! 🙂
Wonderful stories, Marian. Thanks for lifting my spirits on another unreasonably cold day in the Finger Lakes. I can think of moments of miraculous help, but not with the disappearance of the helper when I turned away. I’ve met more than a few angelic people and had their blessings change my life. I often have the sense of visitation in dreams with messages or music sending wisdom I need to hear. People ask why I’m not afraid living alone in the country as I do. I can only say I feel protected here. Maybe angels are hovering over my house.
I can easily see angels hovering over your house, and I know your dreams send revelations into your waking life. Like you, I am aware that life exists in another dimension. As one of my writer friends admits, “Some things have to be believed to be seen.”
For several decades Cliff spent more than half of the year “on the road” with his art performances. Only once did I feel afraid, and that was when someone was actually prowling around in the back yard, shuffling through autumn leaves. Even then, I was aware of divine protection. Thanks for your affirmation here, Elaine. 🙂
Thank you, dear Marian.