Opened Eyes: The True Angel Encounter That Will Leave You in Awe

Each word entered my mind like thunder and with certainty, I knew this was from God.

by Carolyn J. Reeves and Julie Bonn Blank

My mother was barely fifty-one. She was one of the most beloved school teachers in our hometown. She adored every child she taught and saw potential in each one.

Although five years had passed since her first cancer surgery, the disease had returned. As she slipped into a coma, the doctors tried to help us accept that she would not live much longer.

For all my life, I knew faith in God was a core part of Mother’s being, but I saw it deepen and mature as she faced the possibility of death. The verses that sustained her were clearly marked in her Bible. It was evidence that she was prepared to live, and she was also prepared to die.

That was not the case for most of her family. The rest of us weren’t ready for her to die. She was a wonderful mother to my sister and me, a loving wife to my father, and a doting grandmother to her two grandchildren.

I was in despair as I sat by her bed during those last days, helpless to bring her back.

Mother wanted to live. She prayed for healing, along with her faithful Christian friends. A few months earlier, there had been focused prayers for healing from her church and a group of pastors. The wrenching bouts of pain had abruptly and miraculously ceased, but her condition continued to worsen.

God Shows Me His Care

It was during great turmoil and confusion that I closed the door to the bathroom, to be alone as a flood of tears released. But suddenly my inner churning thoughts were interrupted.

“Carolyn, I care very much what happens to your mother and to those who love her.” Each word entered my mind like thunder, and with certainty, I knew this was from God. I had many unanswered questions about why my mother was dying, but there was absolutely no doubt that these words were true.

“Yes,” I whispered.

From that point on, I became aware of things in Mother’s room I had not known were there. I can relate to the story in II Kings 6:14-17 of the fearful servant. Elisha awoke one morning to see their city surrounded by enemy soldiers. and prayed that God would open the eyes of his servant and enable him to see. Suddenly, the servant was able to see the horses and chariots of fire from the Lord’s army all around them. They had been there all the time, but his eyes had to be uncovered.

When I reentered the room after conversing with Him, the first thing I noticed was a strong peace permeating the room and mother. I suspected that the peace had been there, but I’d neglected to feel it.

But that wasn’t all I had missed.

An Angel Visits

Several chairs had been brought in for friends and family members who were now keeping a constant vigil with Mother. Everyone else had gone to lunch. I paused at the door and then crossed the room, bypassing several chairs. As I did, I became aware that a man was sitting in one. He literally faded into my vision.

I didn’t know him. He was not a family member. I squinted and blinked.

He had a slim build and was of average height. He looked to be middle-aged. His face had a rounded shape. His countenance was joyful and undisturbed. Wearing an ordinary cotton shirt and pants, he was waiting calmly with purpose and authority.

He was a guardian angel. I knew this, as I stared. I nodded at him and carefully sat nearby. I didn’t dare say a word. I barely breathed.

The Angel Stays

He stayed, just watching. Three days passed before he was joined by other angels who came to carry Mother home. I watched in awe as she opened her eyes normally for the first time in days and looked up intently. I knew immediately that she was seeing the band of angels. Squinting at something in the distance, her eyes widened as she greeted heavenly visitors. Then, as if someone called her name and beckoned, she was gone.

Heaven is a reality to me. I know that when I get there, I will recognize the angel who sat watch with us. I will be reunited with my mother and other people who love Jesus. I will meet my first child, who was lost in a miscarriage. Above all, I will see my Savior face to face. I know that He has already prepared a place for me, too.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. John 14:1-4 (NIV)

Thank you for sharing your story, Carolyn! I can’t wait to meet you and your mama in heaven!

There comes a moment when children playing at burglers hush suddenly: was that a REAL step in the hall? There comes a moment when people who have been dabbling in religion (‘Man’s Search for God!’) suddenly draw back. Supposing we really found Him? We never meant for it to come to THAT. Worse still, supposing He found us? -C.S. Lewis, “Miracles”, page 150.

Other posts you might enjoy -

Unlock the Mystery of Angels: What You Didn’t Know Might Surprise You! Discover fascinating insights about angels — some may challenge what you thought you knew! Plus, don’t miss an incredible true story of a child’s miraculous healing. Read Let’s Talk About Angels.

satan Tried to End Me in August—But he Failed. In August, I faced death head-on. During a terrifying allergic reaction, I flatlined in an ambulance right outside my home. But guess what? satan didn’t get the final say. Read my incredible near-death experience and discover the powerful words from Him that saved my life. Read Near-Death Experience.

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