In previous words of encouragement, we have shared that there are certain “hot topic“ areas that we try to avoid. For example, we avoid the political arena because there isn’t a lot of encouraging material to write about. 😊
Another area where we exercise some caution is around faith-based issues. We know that our message goes out to a couple thousand people and we realize this topic can be an intensely personal matter. That is why writing this week’s note is a bit of a challenge for me.
Recently I read an article about Shaquille O’Neal that affirmed a powerful message that we have been studying in my weekly faith-based small-group: Periodically, God will use people as His angels or emissaries in reaching out to people who may need a reminder that their lives have meaning, that they really do matter, and that they are loved by the Divine Creator of this universe.
In our small group, we are journeying through Leslie Weatherhead’s timeless classic, The Transforming Friendship. As luck would have it, the most recent chapters have underscored the power of this message. They have also served as a powerful reminder that not only will God use others to reach us, but there will also be occasions when He gives us the privilege of serving others on His behalf.
This has challenged me because growing up, rarely if ever was my behavior deemed to be “angelic.” In fact, my dearly beloved Aunt Jeanette, an incredibly beautiful and caring nun from the Order of the Sacred Heart, would sometimes see me doing things and would laughingly (or at least I hope, laughingly) say: “Oh Michael, you little sinner.” The thought of being used as an angel was a bit of a foreign concept to me.
But fortunately, I have been richly blessed by people who have been angels in my life and I have learned some powerful lessons: Each one of us can be used to affirm others and let them know that whatever their circumstances, they are not alone. For example, when my dad passed away in 1992, Senora Navarette and one of my closest friends, Steve, showed up as angels and helped me and my family traverse that journey.
Which brings me to the story about Shaquille O’Neal (or Shaq). In following sports I knew that Shaq has followed his own path. But as the story pointed out, he has never seen himself as a “celebrity.” Instead he likes to be an angel who performs random acts of kindness.
As you can see in this short video, when Shaq was at a jewelry store and saw a “young kid, hardworking guy” who was shy but asking the cashier, "Hey, how much do I owe to pay off the ring?" Shaq bought the ring for the man.
Interestingly, like many folks who are on the receiving end of a kind gesture, the guy didn’t want to initially accept Shaq’s kindness. But angels can be persuasive, so he looked a bit shocked as Shaq shook his hand, patted him on the back, and walked away.
Watching this video reminded me of one of my favorite movies, It’s A Wonderful Life. Periodically we will come across George Baileys, people who are having quiet struggles, or facing what appears to be overwhelming circumstances. In those circumstances, we can all use or even maybe be a Clarence, the angel who earned his wings by helping George see the value of his life.
In Shaq’s case, he wasn’t seeking publicity. He is “into making people happy, and thankful so whenever I leave the house I just try and do a good deed.” Can you imagine how much better this world could be if we practiced Shaq’s angelic philosophy of “just trying to make people smile, that’s all.”
As a legendary 7 footer, Shaq must have some seriously big wings. The good news is by reaching out to friends, family members, or like Shaq, even complete strangers with kind words or gestures, we can all earn some wings.
In being used as angels, we can affirm the words from Gospel of John. While there will be tribulation in this world and in our lives, we can be full of good cheer. God is still in control and has a squadron of angels to remind us of His love for us.
