Do You Believe In Angels?

I was reading about a poll that claimed the majority of Americans believe in angels. 'Course the highest majority of those are white evangelical Christians, but that's okay, I fit in that category. Another way it was divided is a tad trickier ...

Protestants, women, Southerners, Midwesterners and Republicans were the most likely to believe in angels, although strong majorities in other groups also shared that faith. Belief in angels declined slightly with advanced education, from 87 percent of those with high school education or less to 73 percent of those with college degrees. Overall, 81 percent believed in angels.

Well lemme see, I'm a woman, and Southern and have been known to swear, after Clinton, that I'll never vote for another donkey again. I've got some college .... just went long enough to earn my MRS degree. I guess I fit in that group too. As usual for pollsters they only asked 1000 folks what they thought and they didn't call me, but it's still enough inspiration to cause me to break out my keyboard and get fanciful.

I've known a few angels in my time and some devils too. It's more difficult to actually say what an angel is .... I think an angel is someone or something that watches over you, but it's not an invisible force field ...you can still make a choice to endanger yourself and accidents are entirely possible. Come to think of it, I'm not too sure how many people believe in accidents now days. Seems that too many folks encouraged by the attorneys that dwell closer to the bottom of the pond have convinced people that someone has to pay for any and all affliction. Accidents are not profitable. Unless it's a TRAFFIC accident and then it's not really an accident it's an opportunity for someone. I wonder if anyone has done a poll asking who still believes in accidents and what the race and education breakdowns on THAT would be.

But, as usual, I digress. Angels keep us from being all alone. I like that notion. When I get lonely I like to think that's just a temporary situation and that I've still got my little angel keeping me company and gently guiding my paths. I think some angels used to be living beings and those beings led such a good life that God was pleased and let them decide if they wanted to sit around on a cloud all day strumming a harp or if they'd rather watch over people and get around more. Most importantly I'm sure that those that go before us keep an eye out on us as long as we need them and all you have to do to tap into that spiritual resource is to think of them.

Ok, I know that all sounds bizarre. I can just hear my pal now saying "oh, brother" and rolling his eyes. He prides himself on being the cool voice of reason and his picture is in the dictionary under "logic". He'll do everything but reach out and pat me on the head and say "now, now, calm down you're getting fanciful"... but what's wrong with my ideas giving me comfort. I'm a great believer in comfort. All I have to do is watch 20 minutes of the nightly news and I'll want to wrap myself up in some comfort and seal all the doors and windows to keep out the evil. I'm trying hard to lay off the food comfort these days so it's only right that I take my comfort where ever else I can find it!

I guess I'd better fess up and admit that I'm listening to Josh Groban on my iPod and one of my favorites is To Where You Are and he pretty much nails what I believe with these lyrics...

Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here
I feel you all around me
Your memory's so clear

Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You're still an inspiration
Can it be (?)
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above

Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are

Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn't faith believing
All power can't be seen

As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday
'Cause you are my
Forever love
Watching me from up above

And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave

Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are

I know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are

Merry Christmas to my forever love, John, my own angel, thank you for watching over me for another year.