I am blessed to have today as my assignment since it is the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels. I speak about Guardian Angel frequently, both to family and acquaintances. I can’t imagine a day without thinking of (and thanking!) my Guardian Angel. Our gospel reading concludes with:
See that you do not despise one of these little ones,
For I say to you that their angels in heaven
always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.
I tried to remember what my first exposure to Guardian Angels was but it seems that I have always known and prayed to them so my mother must have instilled that into me very early. When I am scared or unsure, my go-to is always my Guardian Angel! My mother always stopped and said a prayer when an ambulance or rescue squad passed by – she pointed out to me that you should always pray for whomever they were transporting or on their way to serve. I’m not sure what prayer she used but for me it is always a prayer to their Guardian Angels. So now I am “programmed” to stop whatever I’m doing to pray when I see an emergency vehicle – even as it passes me on the road, a quick prayer is said. Clearly, somethings just become engrained in us.
The Guardian Angel prayer is also a staple in my family. When we fly, we always hold hands at take-off and landing and say the prayer. Even my 10-year-old granddaughter never misses saying it when she travels. A couple of summers ago when she was going to fly alone with her dad, she asked my daughter to go over the prayer with her so she could be sure to say it herself.
Throughout my career, the prayer has become a standard for me, whether it be at the bedside of a patient or at a difficult meeting. I remember one particular meeting with some very pointed questions being posed, that I silently said the prayer over and over, asking my Guardian Angel to please help me keep my composure and not cry. I need manage to get through it. While I felt pretty “beat-up” and treated poorly, I had not cried or counterattacked. After the meeting, one of my colleagues commented on the grace I displayed during the meeting. It was “grace” indeed that helped me cope with my Guardian Angel at my side supporting me as always!
Recently at a gathering of an organization I’m affiliated with, a couple approached my husband and I to chat. While my husband clearly knew them, I must admit I didn’t remember them. The wife said she was so happy to see me again to thank me about the Guardian Angel prayer I had shared with her a few years ago. She spoke of her new granddaughter who was born with a heart defect and needed an unusual surgery. She had said the prayer over and over for her granddaughter, showing me the copy she had on her phone from our last meeting. Another God incident for sure since I had received a copy of the prayer with a Guardian Angel coin just that week from CRS. I was able to see her the next day at the event and give her the prayer card with the coin. She was thrilled to have it and asked if it was okay if she gave it to her granddaughter. Once again, God puts us where we need to be, when we need to be, and able to do what is needed. Our God is an AWESOME God! The prayer that I shared:
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
to whom God’s love entrusts me here,
ever this day be at my side to light and guard,
to rule and guide. Amen”
How can I doubt or be fearful? This song says it best! Whom Shall I Fear [God of Angel Armies] by Chris Tomlin
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
