Woman's World

These NFL Players Are Also Nurses—and Their Story Is Everything

mdillard — Wed, 06 May 2026 21:00:07 +0000

As National Nurses Week 2026 begins today (running May 6-12), it’s the perfect time to reflect on the powerful and impactful, life-changing work of caregivers. Through a partnership between Mercy Ships, a faith-based charity that operates floating hospitals in Africa, and the app Glorify, a new devotional series, “Strength in Service,” is launching to bring listeners the real stories of compassion lived out daily around the world.

Mercy Ships’ compassionate mission is brought to life in Glorify’s 10-day audio series, where Patrick Hill and Chandler Brayboy — two professional football players who are also trained nurses — blend their expertise as elite athletes with their knowledge of hands-on caregiving.

Drawing from their own experiences and the inspiring work of Mercy Ships, the series explores resilience, compassion, and purpose in a way that resonates far beyond the football field. With its emphasis on serving others and finding meaning in everyday moments, “Strength in Service” is a compelling listen for anyone seeking encouragement and serves as a meaningful tribute to the nurses and caregivers who show up with strength and heart every single day.

Glorify

From the football field to the hospital room

For wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chandler Brayboy, he became a nurse after he learned in a health science class about a specific symptom of Parkinson’s disease. He recognized that his grandfather struggled with the symptom, and he was later diagnosed. He always knew he wanted to do something to help others, so from then on, he set his sights on nursing. “People trusting me in vulnerable times, and learning from patients and listening to them talk is what made me fall in love with the profession,” he says.

As for Patrick, who is now a retired fullback from the Tennessee Titans and spends all his time nursing or with his family, he started as a pre-med major in college, which allowed him hands-on experience at the bedside of patients. Getting to physically see the difference he was making in people’s lives was so rewarding. After having the chance to advocate for a specific patient, he realized this job was his calling, and he was right where God wanted him to be.

Redefining ‘Strength in Service’

Patrick and Chandler explain that a powerful shift took place in how they understand strength once they discovered how much was required of them in a hospital room, and not just on the football field. Patrick explains, “I went from really thinking that I needed to be heard or seen all the time, and now, I feel a lot of strength in really listening. I find strength in really hearing someone and validating their feelings.”

Chandler echoes that shift in perspective. “Strength in football is what a scoreboard says, but in the nursing field, it’s holding somebody’s hand. I always felt more satisfaction from that than making a huge play.”

Their faith moves differently in each space but remains constant at the core. Chandler shares, “Football is never really quiet. Your actions will speak louder in football, and your words speak louder in the medical field.”

Patrick adds that while prayers on the field often focus on performance, in caregiving they become deeply personal: “I’m praying, ‘Give me strength to really affect this person in a way that they may need it.’ Let’s not treat a diagnosis. Let’s treat a person.”

The footballers’ tips for an active prayer life

When it comes to prayer, both men emphasize that connection with God doesn’t require perfection or a rigid routine, but simply being open to whatever God has in store.

“I would say that prayer is more of a communication or just talking with God,” Chandler says. “It doesn’t have to be perfect; it’s just you talking.” He encourages people to release pressure and start wherever they are: “You’re not going to feel connected with a person unless you talk to that person.”

Patrick builds on that with a practical approach for people spinning lots of plates. “I don’t think that there’s a right or wrong time, right or wrong place. Prayer can start off very small, like, ‘Thank you, Lord.’” Over time, those small moments can grow into something deeper, he explains, “Those one liners turn into two liners, which turns into two minutes. That small prayer moment can be so valuable.”

Practical ways to avoid caregiver burnout

Even the strongest caregivers have to take time to care for themselves to sidestep feeling burned out. For caregivers, the duo advises staying grounded in both honesty and grace.

“The biggest advice I would give to help avoid burnout is figure out your own stressors and triggers,” says Patrick, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness. “Find whatever your trigger is and do whatever helps you get past that in the moment and be gentle with yourself.”

He also reminds caregivers to anchor themselves in faith during difficult seasons. “Trusting God and His plan and His purpose even while you’re in the storm, there is a way out, but there’s a way through, and the way through is to walk with him.”

Meanwhile, Chandler adds the importance of staying humble and seeking out the right kind of support. “You’re not a professional at it,” he encourages. “So just being easy on yourself is important. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Chandler and Patrick at the Mercy Ships U.S. headquarters in Lindale, TX
Glorify / Mercy Ships

Ultimately, both men hope the 10-day “Strength in Service” series leaves listeners feeling renewed and purposeful. Patrick says, “My biggest hope is that listeners realize that it’s not a one-time thing. They can draw strength from this series at any time. Whether you have two seconds or you have 20 minutes, this series will teach you to really connect and reground yourself and find your own strength.”

Chandler adds that he hopes listeners will find hope from it. “The devotional series helps you understand that nobody’s got it figured out. Maybe someone can get the motivation to take an extra step to find out what their purpose might be.”

Additional resources, including accessing the series, Mercy Ships volunteer and patient stories and ways to get involved, are available at glorify-app.com/mercyships.

Michelle Hains’ Story: “I Realized the Lord Sent Me an Angel!”

cshilling — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 19:57:49 +0000

Woman’s World reader Michelle Hains was on the brink of death following a cancer diagnosis. But after she prayed, God sent an Angel to help give her hope. She writes: “I realized the Lord sent me an angel!”

Excruciating pain permeated my body that night following surgery. With a dangerously high fever and lungs inflamed by pneumonia, I’d given up. I wanted to lie down and die. It all started, or so I thought, while visiting my sister in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She lives at a high altitude, and I’d been short of breath during the visit. My breathing grew steadily worse until every breath was labored.

At home in Connecticut, my doctor suspected a blood clot and sent me by ambulance to the hospital. A PET scan revealed the devastating diagnosis—lung cancer. Several tumors were discovered in both lungs, and an oncologist recommended immediate surgery.

The surgeon removed almost two-thirds of my left lung and a small portion of my right lung. However, I remained in a weakened state and still struggled to breathe. I’d contracted pneumonia, and my condition worsened. The fever spiked, and I couldn’t get out of bed or even sit up.

With my emotions already in turmoil, I received news that my younger sister had passed. In terrible pain, barely able to move, and grieving the loss of my beloved sister, I didn’t have the energy to fight my illness or begin the healing process. Lord, just take me, I prayed. I’m ready to come home.

That night, around 3:00 a.m., a nurse came to take my vital signs. She had a strong, forceful voice and made direct eye contact. I told the nurse about my prayer, and that I wanted to die. I’ll never forget her words. “Not on my watch!”

Courtesy of Michelle Hains

Then she laid on top of the covers and wrapped her arms around me. I felt remarkably comforted by her presence. The nurse began singing a familiar hymn in a beautiful voice. “His eyes are on the sparrow, and I know He’s watching me…” She sang the entire song. It was amazing! When she finished, I knew my prayer had been answered, but not in the way I expected. I relaxed into a deep sleep.

The next morning, I felt remarkedly rested. My attitude had entirely changed. Before the night nurse’s visit, I’d been miserable, lacking hope and the will to live. Now, I realized that I couldn’t give up. I needed to fight and regain my health. The serene peaceful feeling from the previous night remained.

I felt an urgent need to thank the nurse and couldn’t wait to see her again! When I asked about the one who checked on me during the night, the head nurse said, “Nobody was on duty last night to make rounds.”

At that moment, I realized the Lord had sent me an angel. I knew I’d survive. I felt certain that God was taking care of me. Gradually, my strength returned. Following chemotherapy, I fully recovered and I’m cancer free. The doctors thought I’d need oxygen for the rest of my life, but I’m breathing entirely on my own now. I’m certain that an angel of the Lord saved my life. I can still see her face, hear the soothing sound of her voice, and recall the incredible sense of peace I felt in her presence. The reason I survived is to offer hope to others!

Angel expert Sunny Dawn Johnston says…

Sunny Dawn Johnston

Michelle’s powerful story reminds us of the divine presence that walks with us even in our darkest hours. When her spirit felt broken and her will to live had vanished, God sent a messenger—a heavenly being wrapped in the form of a nurse—to bring comfort, strength, and the will to keep going.

The words “Not on my watch,” and the soothing hymn were not coincidence—they were confirmation that Michelle was not alone, and that her life still held purpose. This moment wasn’t just about survival; it was a spiritual awakening, a reminder that even when we surrender, Heaven doesn’t.

We’re never beyond the reach of divine love. Whether through prayer, signs, or angelic visitors, Spirit always finds a way to remind us: we are seen, supported, and surrounded by grace. Michelle’s recovery is a testimony to hope—and to the miracles that unfold when we open our hearts to the unseen.

Her Late Father Sent a Sign—Just When She Needed It Most

ssullivan — Sat, 31 May 2025 16:00:40 +0000

One of my favorite memories was camping with my parents on Long Beach in British Columbia. It was the early 1970s, and I was 7 years old.

One day, my dad and I were walking along the beach, and we found a skate fish—which is similar to a stingray— dead on the sand. I begged my dad to let me bring it home, but he explained that it would decompose.

I was so sad and too young to understand, but as I got older, I realized that my dad had managed the situation well in explaining and consoling me. It is such a special memory, and whenever I see a skate fish, it reminds me of this day with my dad at the beach.

I recently retired from my job after 36 years, and my coworkers organized a farewell party at the office. During the party, two of my coworkers pulled me aside to present me with a gift. I opened it to find a pottery dish, and the design on the dish featured a skate fish. They mentioned that it was made by a local artist. I could not believe what I was seeing and told them my special memory of my dad at the beach and the skate fish that I had wanted to keep.

They jokingly said that they knew I liked them “because they had asked my dad.” When I replied that he was no longer with us, they joked that they had somehow contacted him. We had a good laugh about it.

When I showed the gift to another coworker and told her the story, she immediately said that it means that my dad is here and is sending a message that he approves of my decision to retire. This was such a blessing as I had been struggling with my decision. The beautiful pottery dish is now displayed in my home and reminds me he is here with me.

Angel expert Sunny Dawn Johnston says…

Sunny Dawn Johnson

“Krista’s story is a beautiful example of how our loved ones send signs of love and encouragement—often through the hearts and hands of others,” said Sunny Dawn Johnston, Angel Expert & CEO of School of Light, has created a movement dedicated to spiritual, personal, and business growth. Discover comprehensive, transformative education at www.SchoolOfLight.biz.“That pottery dish, chosen without anyone knowing the deep meaning it held, was far more than a gift—it was a divine message. Her father found the perfect way to say, “I’m here.” Moments like this remind us that when we’re questioning our choices or seeking reassurance, the angels hear us. Krista’s memory, the skate fish and the perfectly timed gift were all divinely orchestrated.”

Her Aunt Passed—Then a Birthday Gift From Beyond Appeared

ssullivan — Mon, 26 May 2025 17:00:54 +0000

Aunt Violet was a year shy of 90 when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer very suddenly. She died within a week, and it was a shock to me because she had seemed so vibrant and healthy. Aunt Violet’s hospice room was serene, and her nurses took perfect care of her. But it broke my heart when my aunt asked if she could come home with me when I was leaving one afternoon. I wish I could have taken her.

I had a special relationship with Aunt Violet. She and Uncle Frankie were like grandparents to me, especially after my mother died at a young age. It’s been said that a life lost is a life gained, and during that final week, my niece Margot was born. Aunt Violet was thrilled when my brother texted her a photo of the baby.

On the June morning my aunt passed, I planned to visit her before work. I was hoping to get there around 5:30 a.m. When I walked into her room, she was lying on the bed, peacefully beautiful and freshly clean in a nightgown and bathrobe. I ran out to the nurses station, and they told me that she had died less than 15 minutes earlier.

I took that as a sign that Aunt Violet didn’t want me to see her die, but wanted me to be there immediately after.

That year at Christmas, Uncle Frankie told me that Aunt Violet had purchased my present early that year, but he couldn’t locate it.

It totally slipped my mind until late February when I arrived home to find Aunt Violet’s gift to me on my kitchen table. How wonderful and yet bittersweet. It was so unexpected and so close to my birthday months after Christmas. I wanted to thank her dearly for the diamond pendant and earrings.

Although no longer on this Earth, my aunt found a way to help me celebrate my first birthday without her.

Angel expert Sunny Dawn Johnston says…

Sunny Dawn Johnston

Marilyn’s experience is a reminder that the love we share with those who have passed never leaves us. Her Aunt Violet’s passing, just moments before Marilyn arrived, wasn’t by chance—it was likely her way of protecting Marilyn from witnessing the pain of her final breath yet still allowing her to be close. The timing and thoughtfulness of the birthday gift was Violet’s way of saying, “I’m right here and still celebrating with you.” When our hearts are open, we begin to see that these seemingly “coincidences” are actually love letters from Heaven.

Bible Verses For Memorial Day to Honor Our Heroes and Comfort The Brokenhearted

mdillard — Fri, 23 May 2025 17:30:00 +0000

Each year, we take time on Memorial Day to honor the sacrifice of military service people who have lost their lives defending our country. For those who have lost a loved one in this way, this holiday feels bittersweet. We recognize the need and appreciate the significance, but our hearts still grieve what we’ve lost.

But even as we mourn on this day, we can remember that there is hope in our pain. God is in it with us. We do not hurt alone. When our grief feels heavy, God carries us. When our heart feels empty, it becomes the perfect vessel for His love to fill up and overflow. God wants us to bring our mourning to Him. Although we cannot always understand God’s plans, His goodness is always there.

In the Bible, there is a promise: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.” —Psalm 147:3–4 (ESV)

As God lays the stars in the sky and gives them a name, He will also heal broken hearts and tend to our pain. Each time you look to the stars and think of your lost loved one, you can be reminded of this promise that God will always keep.

Here, a collection of ten Bible verses for Memorial Day to help you remember the One who loves you.

Psalm 46:1 (NIV) — Bible Verses For Memorial Day

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

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Paul in a letter to the Philippians, 4:7 (ESV)

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

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David to the Lord, Psalm 3:2–3 (NKJV)

“Many are they who say of me, ‘There is no help for him in God.’ But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head.”

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Jesus to the disciples, John 16:33 (ESV)

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

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The Lord to the exiles, Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

“Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.”

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Psalm 34:18 (ESV)— Bible Verses For Memorial Day

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

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John in a letter to the churches, Revelation 21:4 (ESV)

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

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The Prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel, Isaiah 35:10 (NASB)

“And the ransomed of the Lord will return and come with joyful shouting to Zion, with everlasting joy upon their heads. They will find gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

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Romans 8:26 (ESV) — Bible Verses For Memorial Day

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

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Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:3–4 (ESV)

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

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Divine Guidance: The Whisper That Saved My Husband's Life

ssullivan — Fri, 16 May 2025 20:00:23 +0000

Last year, after my husband, Michael, had been experiencing abdominal pain and fever on and off for two weeks, he reluctantly agreed to go to an urgent care. Feeling worried, I prayed. A voice inside me whispered, He needs treatment, but he’ll be okay.

After undergoing tests at the clinic, the next day the doctor said, “You are very ill, Michael. Go to the ER now. You likely have diverticulitis. This could go south very quickly!”

A foreboding feeling swept over me. This doctor’s gentle presence commanded our attention. Michael and I felt like an angelic being had spoken to us.

Hurriedly, we drove to the ER. After more tests and a CT scan, the doctor said, “You have an abscess in your colon wall caused by complicated diverticulitis. If you’d waited a few more days before coming in, you could have died from sepsis complications.”

We were stunned! Michael was hospitalized for six days and treated for complicated diverticulitis. I stayed with him until he was discharged and sent home with a drain tube.

Our first Sunday back home, we stayed home from church as Michael felt uncomfortable going out with his tube. We called Michael’s friend Eric to ask for prayers. After we shared what had happened, Eric said, “I’ve been treated for diverticulitis. You’ll be okay!”

How amazing to hear Eric say the same words I heard in my spirit when I’d prayed. “Michael’s going to be okay.”

Four months later, Michael underwent a successful, 4-hour colon resection surgery. He returned to his full-time job two weeks after surgery and has been regaining his physical strength since.

How I thank God for sending the compassionate doctor—the heaven-sent angel—who saved my husband’s life that day with his calm but firm directive to immediately go to ER.

Angel expert Sunny Dawn Johnston says…

“That inner whisper, “He’ll be okay,” wasn’t just hope—it was divine reassurance,” says Sunny Dawn Johnston, Angel Expert & CEO of School of Light, has created a movement dedicated to spiritual, personal, and business growth. Discover comprehensive, transformative education at www.SchoolOfLight.biz. “The doctor’s urgent message, the friend’s echoed words, the timing of it all…none of it was a coincidence. This was guidance. In moments of fear and uncertainty, when our hearts reach out in prayer, God responds. Jennifer listened, trusted and was shown that her husband’s life was being protected from above. This is a reminder that our prayers are heard. We are guided and supported. Even in the chaos, Heaven is always working behind the scenes.”

My Mom’s Spirit Guided Me to What I Needed Most During Grief

ssullivan — Fri, 09 May 2025 20:00:52 +0000

Last year, my mother passed away. My husband and I had purchased a home in Iowa a few months before her passing and I had hoped to keep some of Mom’s things and set them up exactly as she had them in her home.

I set about packing for the move. But I felt guilty because I had not bothered to purchase proper packing supplies to wrap my great grandmother’s crystal. I knew that my mom, grandmother and great-grandmother were probably disappointed in me. I asked for their forgiveness and guidance.

Suddenly, I felt the need to take a break from my packing duties and I found myself in the garage looking through bins of Mom’s handmade silk flowers. I still had plenty of packing to do, and I kept telling myself to put things away and get back to the task at hand. But something in my head told me to look at one more box.

The bins were all labeled with their contents, but there was one unlabeled cardboard box. When I opened it, I was shocked to find packing paper and bubble wrap!

“Thank you for leading me to it, Mom,” I whispered.

I went inside and rewrapped all the crystal the way it deserved to be wrapped. And it all made the move safely.

It has only been six months since her passing, and already she has helped me several times. I also needed to find the perfect home for Riki, her 5-pound Yorkie. They were inseparable, and I had been so worried about it that I was having trouble sleeping.

One day, I got a phone call from a very close friend of Mom’s who said they would love to welcome Riki into their home. It brought me to tears. I know this is what she would have wanted for him, and that it allows me to stay in contact with them and get updates on Riki.

I have no doubt that Mom has been very busy setting things in motion to help me through this difficult time.

Angel expert Sunny Dawn Johnston says…

Sunny Dawn Johnston

“Kim’s story is a beautiful example of how a mother’s love never fades—it simply finds surprising new ways to show up,” Sunny Dawn Johnston, Angel Expert & CEO of School of Light, has created a movement dedicated to spiritual, personal, and business growth. Discover comprehensive, transformative education at www.SchoolOfLight.biz. “Even in the midst of grief, Kim was guided to exactly what she needed, whether it was packing supplies for heirlooms or the perfect home for Riki. A mother’s presence can be felt in the smallest ways, from a whisper in our minds to the comfort of knowing everything is falling into place just as it should. These signs remind us that the love we share with our mothers transcends time and continues to guide us.”

She Nearly Drowned—Until a Guardian Angel Intervened

ssullivan — Fri, 02 May 2025 20:00:52 +0000

When I was 18 years old, I floated down the Snake River on an inner tube. Jay, my boyfriend at the time, shouted, “Eileen! Get away from the culvert!”

I glanced at him across the river and replied, “What’s a culvert?”

Calm, placid water surrounded me as I drew near the edge of the river. I saw Jay paddling toward me.

Moments later, I felt the undercurrent pulling me through the inner tube. I thrashed my arms and legs as I fought to free myself.

The force pulled me into an underwater cement tunnel with rushing water. I had no idea what was happening or how to escape this water-filled tomb.

Suddenly I was catapulted out of the tunnel, and pulled myself over to the shore.

As I gasped for air, I turned and saw Jay tumble from the tunnel and pull himself out of the flowing water. “You’re alive! I’m alive!” he shouted.

“Yes, we are Jay.”

Jay asked, “Do you realize we were just saved by angels?”

I shook my head. “Yes, I guess we were, but I’m not sure what just happened.”

“Eileen, don’t you know what a culvert is?”

“No, Jay. Tell me.”

He took my hand and said, “A culvert is an underwater cement tunnel at the side of rivers. It diverts some of the water to help farmers irrigate their fields. An iron grate is built into the far side to trap tree limbs, debris and small animals to keep them from clogging the irrigation ditches.”

My eyes widened. “And people too?”

He nodded. “Yes, if they are unfortunate enough to get trapped in a culvert.”

“How did we get through that iron grate?” I asked, feeling shaken and astounded.

“The grate wasn’t down, Eileen,” he said as he pulled me into his arms and hugged me. “I have never seen or heard of a culvert grate being lifted.”

I whispered, “I’m glad our angels know how to lift culvert grates on the Snake River.”

Angel expert Sunny Dawn Johnston says…

Sunny Dawn Johnston

“Eileen’s story is a powerful reminder that divine protection is always near,” Sunny Dawn Johnston, Angel Expert & CEO of School of Light, has created a movement dedicated to spiritual, personal, and business growth. Discover comprehensive, transformative education at www.SchoolOfLight.biz. “A seemingly ordinary day on the river turned into a life-threatening situation, yet unseen hands intervened in a way that defied logic. The fact that the grate was lifted just at the right moment is no coincidence. Guardian angels work in mysterious ways, guiding us away from danger, sometimes even making the impossible happen. Their experience is a testament to the unseen forces that surround us, stepping in when we need them most. We are never truly alone.”

His Goodbye Came in a Poem—And It Brought Her Comfort and Calm

ssullivan — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 20:00:06 +0000

My husband Gary and I met when we were 9 and 10 years old. We became closer later, when we were 14 and 16 years old, and married four years later. We shared a deep love and happiness during our 44-year marriage. So when he passed away, I needed some quiet time to just sit with my two adult children and let the loss soak in.

In our quiet conversations in the darkness of our living room where he passed and his body had been taken, I told my children how hard it was for me because he could no longer speak and tell me goodbye himself.

Knowing Gary, I felt he had wanted to say goodbye, and was frustrated that he couldn’t get his words out.

After a while, I got up from my chair and went to the den, where Gary’s many books were displayed on shelves. His greatest joy in that room was his poetry collection. Every one of his poetry books had at least 10 bookmark tabs tucked inside, marking special poems.

So I went to that section of his bookshelves, and picked one out. As I opened it, I let my fingers flip through and stop at a random tab. I stood there in the silence as I saw the message, in his own handwriting, on the tab. There was the word “Goodbye,” which was taped to that particular page.

The poem my fingers had landed on was called “Goodbye,” and it was about someone saying farewell to the world. Right then, I knew I could find peace in his loss.

Even though our physical relationship had ended just a couple of hours before, our new spiritual connection was about to begin with this one special message.

Angel expert Sunny Dawn Johnston says…

Sunny Dawn Johnston

“Nancy’s story is a beautiful reminder that love transcends the physical world,” says Sunny Dawn Johnston, Angel Expert & CEO of School of Light, has created a movement dedicated to spiritual, personal, and business growth. Discover comprehensive, transformative education at www.SchoolOfLight.biz.”Even when we think we didn’t get a chance to say goodbye, our loved ones find ways to reach us. The way Gary left his message proves the bonds of love and connection don’t break. It’s no coincidence her fingers landed on that poem. This was a message meant just for her—a sign he was still with her, watching over her and offering the closure she longed for. When we open our hearts to these signs, we realize those we love never truly leave us.”

A Good Friday Prayer Led to a Sign From Her Friend in Heaven

ssullivan — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 20:00:52 +0000

My dear friend, Irene, was very special. She celebrated her 100th birthday in style with a large celebration attended by friends, family and even the mayor.

I had known Irene for many years, as she was involved in a lot of the same church activities that I also attended.

As she got older, she wasn’t able to drive, so for several years, I had the privilege of taking Irene to church every Saturday evening.

Even though there was a 25-year difference between our ages, I enjoyed the time we spent in the car talking about all things under the sun while on our way to church. Irene would tell me numerous stories about my grandparents on my father’s side, as she had known them.

I would tell her about events in which I participated during the week. She always said that I was her friend, and her friendship was very special to me. Eventually, it became difficult for her to make it to church, even with me driving her.

We missed our weekly time together, so we decided to still call each other at least once a week just to keep in touch.

Sadly, Irene passed away close to five months after her 100th birthday. I wished and prayed that she would send me a sign letting me know that she was still looking after me.

Not long after I prayed, the sign came on Good Friday. Each time I took her to church, we would always get there early so that we xcould get a good seat. I would take a book of prayers and spiritual thoughts so that I would have something to read before the service began. As I opened the book this year, I found an Easter card dated 2023.

It read: “Life holds many blessings and one of the nicest by far is the joy of having a FRIEND who is as wonderful as you.” And such was my blessing from my special friend, Irene. I knew it was a sign from heaven from Irene that she would always be with me!

Angel expert Sunny Dawn Johnston says…

Courtesy of Sunny Dawn Johnston

“Joan’s story is a reminder that love and friendship continue beyond this life, especially during sacred times like Good Friday,” says Sunny Dawn Johnston, Angel Expert & CEO of School of Light, has created a movement dedicated to spiritual, personal, and business growth. Discover comprehensive, transformative education at www.SchoolOfLight.biz. “Irene’s presence was felt in such a profound way and perfectly timed—just as if she had planned it herself. Good Friday is a day of faith, reflection and divine connection, making this sign even more special. Irene was reminding Joan that she is still by her side, watching over her and that their bond remains unbroken. These heavenly messages often come when we need them most, reassuring us that our loved ones are close.”