Why I Write October 13, 2008

Angela Posey-Arnold

Writing is as much a part of me as my arms and legs. It always has been. Story ideas come to my thoughts, I write them down and then I pray about it. Before too long the story is bursting to be written. Sometimes, I wake from a sound sleep and cannot rest until at least the first draft is written.

 For as long as I can remember I have used writing to solve problems, pray, record events and feelings and capture my emotions. Writing is a mirror image of my heart.

I began keeping a journal when I was very young. I have stacks of journals and notebooks recording the events of my life, my feelings, my prayers and the answers to them. It is so awesome to pick up one of my journals from 20 years ago and read the prayers I prayed. Seeing how God answered those prayers increases my faith and brings me closer to Jesus. It is such a joy.

In High school years and years ago–well–only 30. My love for writing was fueled by a journalism teacher who said to me, “Angela, you have a God given talent. You must use it for Him” Of course 30 years ago teachers were allowed to encourage children to follow their God given gifts. I became the Features Editor for the School Newspaper. I love going back and looking at those articles written by my 15 year old hand.

 

I did not pursue journalism as a career. A detour off the path. Instead I obtained a double major. I have a BS in Nursing and a BS in Sociology both of which required writing skills. Nursing’s documentation requirements helped develop my ability to write with focus and purpose. The last 7 years of my nursing career were dedicated to the position of Director of Nursing. Much of my job duties required writing reports, budgets, annual corporate reports, plans of care and plans of action. Documentation of patient care and progress helped to broaden my writing abilities.

On January 31st, 2001 on my way to work a tractor trailer truck overturned and hit me. This is why I write.

                                             

ANGELS ON EARTH

                                                      

Scripture: For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways Psalms 91:11

 

My position as a Director of Nursing in a long term care facility sometimes required long hours. On this particular day in January of 2001, I was running later than usual on my commute to work. The day before, I had worked 16 hours and I almost took the day off because I was so late getting home the night before. But I really needed to attend an important meeting at 10 am.

 

I had sold my 1997 Mustang in order to get a bigger car with a smoother ride. I borrowed a car from my Daddy until I could get another one. So, I was driving what I lovingly referred to as, “the land barge”, a 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis, built like a tank.

As I was driving to work, a day just like any other day, I stopped at a red light at a busy intersection. I remember thinking that I should pull up to the driver beside me and tell him that his hubcap was about to fall off. The next thing I remember is hearing a loud noise and looking to the left. I saw a huge truck on its side sliding toward me at a phenomenal rate of speed. Sparks flying I knew that it was going to hit me and it did. I only had time to say, “Lord, that is going to hit me!”. I grabbed the steering wheel as tight as I could. It happened so fast.

 

I never lost consciousness. I do not remember feeling the actual impact. Jesus and His mighty angels got to me before the truck did. I do not recall being knocked 275 feet into a gas station parking lot. I don’t remember being airborne. I do remember something else though. I remember an incredible feeling of awesome peace and love like I have never experienced before. I had a glimpse of heaven. The hedge of protection came between me and that huge truck. My car was crumpled into a heap of metal and I was trapped inside. But inside the car were angels. I saw them and I felt them. They were there immediately, and I remember saying to them to go ahead and take me if it was time. I had no fear of going with them. I wanted to go with them. Nothing else mattered. I did not hear any audible voices but I knew somehow that I was not going to die, not yet. Somehow they told me that. Jesus was there. He did not speak but I felt His arms around me. Even after the paramedics got me into the ambulance, the angels were still with me, I knew they were there and that was all that mattered. Their presence was overwhelming.

 

At the hospital I could hear all the nurses and doctors talking and scrambling while they worked with me. I knew that I was critical and that I was loosing blood. I could feel myself slipping away. I knew that the angels were there just in case. By the time I was evaluated in the emergency room the pain was almost unbearable. Again, I saw the light of the angels, small tiny brilliant lights circling around above me. Even through the pain I smiled and felt comforted by their presence. I talked to them, this time asking for them to take me because the pain was so intense. The things of this earth were “strangely dim”. The next thing I remember is seeing my husband and my parents. Then I started to cry. Doctors were rushing me to surgery. A surgical nurse leaned down and called my name, “Angela, in a minute you will be asleep and you are going to be fine.” Then she started praying for me so quietly and sweetly in my ear as the anesthesia took effect.

 

I woke up in the ICU and recovery began. The first thing I told my mother was about the angels. I continue to improve everyday and I have come a long way in healing since that day. My life will never be the same. I strive to never forget the feeling I had that day. I almost left this world, and in the process I was given a great gift from God. He offered to me the blessed assurance of His presence and His awesome power and love. I never want to forget this small glimpse of heaven. I felt the incredible love of God present with me in “the land barge”.

 

 

Lord Jesus. Thank You for Your awesome love and protection. Thank You Jesus for the angels that watch over us. Bring to our remembrance Your Words as You tell us “Fear not, for I am with you.”. In Your Holy name I pray. Amen

 

www.angelaposeyarnold.com

gracenotes1@bellsouth.net

Angela Posey-Arnold

 

 

This story is published in the Jan/Feb 2003 issue of Guidepost’s Angels on Earth Magazine.

  After the wreck my doctor told me I would not be able to practice nursing anymore. Devastated I asked God, “what do I do now?” There I was 42 years old and nursing was all I knew. I worked so hard to become an RN BSN and I worked very hard to become a Director of Nursing. I loved my job, the patients, and my staff of nurses. I was lost without it. 

In my heart I heard God’s voice as clear as the summer sky, “Write. I am calling you to write”.

After all those years I was brought back to where I started. My life turned full circle back to the gifts of writing and music. As I look back now I can see how God gave me the training I needed to do what He has called me to do in this season of my journey on earth. 

Doors began to open for me. With each opportunity came affirmations that I was on the right path. I enrolled in a free online writing course which led to an advanced course. The advanced course led to the complete blessing of being a part of a group of online Christian Writers.

As I look back over the last 8 years I am thankful for each step, each published article and short story, each blog entry, writer’s conferences, awards all are blessings and joys I cherish.

God said “Write” then He equipped me to do so. He continues to bless me with opportunites to write and minister to others through writing. Writing for Him is my purpose. I am so blessed to be called to write.

And the Lord said to me, “Write my answer on a billboard, large and clear, so that anyone can read it at a glance and rush and tell others.” Habakkuk 2:2