EDITOR'S NOTE: The Times Free Press is continuing a series of stories from readers about life experiences they attribute to divine intervention. We'll publish another each week as your stories continue to arrive. If you have a God Thing to share, email Life@timesfreepress.com, or mail to Life Department, Chattanooga Times Free Press, 400 E. 11th St., Chattanooga, TN 37403.
This week, Maurice and Shirley Arnold detail two ways they've received divine messages of hope.
A few years ago, our family was facing several health issues, including surgery, and four members were dealing with diabetes.
My mom had suffered a stroke, and the care she would require was of great concern.
To get our minds off our problems, we decided to do some yard work. As I was riding the mower, my heart was crying to God the questions we all ask in troubled times: Where are you God? Do you really care? Give us a sign.
Suddenly a snow white dove flew over my shoulder and lit in our yard.
The words of an old song came to me: On the wings of snow white dove, God sends his pure sweet love. A sign from above on the wings of a dove.
God is where he's always been: Right here with us even in times of trouble.
While on vacation in Canada, it was getting late and beginning to snow. We were on a deserted road and enjoying the beauty of God's creation.
By a beautiful lake, we stopped for one more photo, but when we tried to drive on, we discovered we were stuck. The car would not budge.
We prayed for help, and this young man came and asked if we had a chain or rope. We didn't. He tried to help, but it was hopeless.
Suddenly we saw a truck parked across the bridge. No one saw it arrive. My husband walked to the truck for help. The man never uttered a word. He pointed to the back of his truck. There was a new tow rope, never been used.
Quickly we were able to pull our car to safety. Still the man did not speak. My husband commented that he had the strangest eyes, as though he (the man) looked through him (my husband).
As we drove away, the truck was nowhere in sight, although we were on a long, straight highway. We believe God answer prayers by sending his angels, whether as a snow white dove or a red pickup with a tow rope.
- Maurice and Shirley Arnold, Hixson