These aren’t my stories, but I’m going to tell them.
Let’s call her Dana. Dana was going for a walk near her home. It was a dirt road. Her high-school reunion was coming up, she was getting into shape.
A truck pulled beside her. He slowed down. He rolled his window open, he asked if she needed a ride.
Something was wrong. It was the way he looked at her.
Before she knew it, he’d jumped out of the vehicle. She tried to get away. He overpowered her and threw her into a ditch.
She landed a few good hits to his face, but he outweighed her.
He used a pocketknife. He pressed it against her. She screamed something. She doesn’t remember which words she used, but she aimed them toward heaven.
Something happened.
His body froze. Completely. He was like a statue, only meaner. She wanted to run, but she was too scared.
That’s when she saw another man standing above her attacker. He was tall, with a calm face.
“It’s gonna be okay, Dana,” the tall man said. “Go on home, sweetie, everything’s gonna be okay.”
Here’s another:
Jim was dying. A seventy-something Vietnam veteran with high morals, pancreatic cancer, and a two-packs-a-day habit.
Doctors said his cancer would kill him.
Treatments were hell. Jim met a man in the VA hospital. A homeless man with a duffle bag. A fellow vet.
They shared a few cigarettes. They swapped stories. They understood each other. Jim invited the man home.
The man stayed in Jim’s guest room. He stayed for several months.
He became Jim’s caregiver. He wiped Jim’s mouth after episodes of vomiting, he stayed up late during sleepless nights, he helped Jim bathe. He’d pat Jim’s back when nausea got bad, saying, “It’s gonna be alright.”
And he was there on Jim’s final day, too. He waited in the den while Jim’s family gathered around his bed. When the ambulance arrived, he hoisted Jim into it.
Nobody ever saw the man again.
And I’m not done yet.
Carrie was a nursing student. She was on her way home for Christmas break. Her children were in the car. They were singing with the radio.
She hit a deer. An eight-point. It shattered her windshield. Think: antlers, screeching, crashing, screaming. She blacked out.
She woke to the smell of gasoline. Her children were crying. She was bleeding.
A man appeared at her window. “It’s gonna be okay, sweetie,” he said.
He muscled her door open. He helped her out of the car, he carried her children to safety.
Only moments after they fled the vehicle, it caught fire and turned to soot.
The man didn’t stick around.
So anyway, I don’t know what you think about the nature of life. I don’t know how you feel about miracles. And I don’t care.
Because I know you—sort of. You’re human. Sometimes you feel like you’re losing. Sometimes you feel overlooked and alone. Sometimes you talk to the sky and hope it will answer you. Sometimes you wonder if you’re going to make it.
I’ve spent this entire morning reading letters. They are stories sent to me from people who have seen things bigger than themselves.
It changed the way they see the world. It changed the way they think, even in hellish moments. And they have a message for you. It’s the same message that was delivered to them when they needed it most.
It’s going to be all right.
71 comments
🇿🇦🇿🇦 Norma Den - August 7, 2022 7:33 am
Thank you Sean. I needed that right now. God bless you. HE is always near.
throughmyeyesusa - August 7, 2022 7:35 am
If ever, in the history if this nation, we needed to look up and see a tall, sensible and intelligent someone with a calm face make the evil that surrounds us freeze, and tell us “It is going to be all right”, it is now! That would certainly be a miracle.
Pat - August 7, 2022 8:30 am
You have a great answer. It will take a miracle but miracles do happen! Pray.
Pat - August 7, 2022 8:27 am
Excellent
Melissa J Norman - August 7, 2022 8:53 am
I have had several of my own encounters with angels that have changed the direction of my life. Miracles do still happen here on earth. Thank you for telling us about these snapshots of others’ everyday lives that are changed in a heartbeat to extraordinary. As usual, you are writing about my life!!! God bless you and your wife!!!
Ed (Bear) - August 7, 2022 9:42 am
Thank you Sean! You’re a good man.
I get the same message from my cute loving adorable hardworking wife. And I believe it in my heart!
Anne Arthur - August 7, 2022 9:52 am
Amen. Yes, we are going to be alright.
Thank you for reminding us that miracles are happening every day.
Jocelyn - August 7, 2022 10:16 am
I needed this story. Thanks Sean!
Sandy Fopiano - August 7, 2022 10:30 am
God Bless You, Sean and Jamie…… Miracles happen…
Stephanie Sanders - August 7, 2022 10:49 am
Your writing gives me pause every single day. Sometimes a tear, sometimes a smile and sometimes a good belly laugh, which we can all use. These stories are my favorite. I believe and I’ve experienced this more than once. Thank you for being you!
Bob Mottet - August 7, 2022 10:55 am
I just left a comment and posted it. Where and when will i see it to make sure it you got it
Leigh Amiot - August 7, 2022 11:03 am
Bob, I don’t see another comment by you.
Several of my comments (over time, not today) disappeared into cyberspace as well.
Joy Jacobs - August 7, 2022 11:29 am
Yes Sean, it’s going to be all right . ❤️
countrylifegal - August 7, 2022 11:33 am
Thank you. And Thank you again.
John Bass - August 7, 2022 11:44 am
Uplifting. Thanks.
Becky Thomas - August 7, 2022 12:00 pm
Thank you!! Thank you!! God bless you today for this encouragement.
Pam Williams - August 7, 2022 12:10 pm
♥️
Linda Lewis - August 7, 2022 12:15 pm
Thank you for these wonderful, inspirational stories. That’s what the world needs.
cflowers - August 7, 2022 12:15 pm
Thank you for this today…I am absolutely drowning in unfixable grief since I lost my heart, my oldest grandson. Some days I think that I am getting better, but then a new day comes and I am again in a deep hole. I have no one to talk to…My daughter and her husband…Brayden was their only child…I of course can not share things with them…my husband, who went into cardiac arrest in 2018 is grieving too. He had never been married before, so my children have been his children and Brayden was his heart too. My first husband died of cancer when my children were 6 and 10 so this is another big hit to him. The simple fact is that none of my siblings have perspective…no one does…unless you have grieved the loss of someone who was taken too soon, a person can not know…thankfully. Thank you for listening. Cheryll
Rena - August 7, 2022 1:45 pm
So sorry❣️🙏🏼 May God be near and dear to your family as well 💞
Eve - August 7, 2022 4:32 pm
Am heartbroken for you and your family in the loss of your precious grandson Brayden. And understand your wording – “unfixable grief.”
Debbie - August 7, 2022 9:52 pm
Cheryl, I’m so very sorry. I am praying for you. 🙏❤️
Jean Thompson - August 8, 2022 2:51 am
Dear Cheryll, please know that you CAN share with your dear daughter and husband. No fancy words are needed. Just be there with them, in quietness. Just hug each other. The deep love you share will bring you all through. I am sending a prayer for your dear family. May God bless you all.
boyd sheilla - August 7, 2022 12:23 pm
yes indeed
Paul McCutchen - August 7, 2022 12:24 pm
Thanks Sean, that answers a lot of questions
Molly - August 7, 2022 12:43 pm
Beautiful! Your writing makes me remember everything is going to be alright!!
Priscilla Rodgers - August 7, 2022 12:46 pm
If I didn’t believe these stories and I whole lot more there would be no reason for going on. Thank you Lord.
crowsfeetchronicles - August 7, 2022 12:53 pm
Today’s post created goose bumps that turned into tears that turned into hope. Thank you.
Christina Nations - August 7, 2022 1:06 pm
Thank you Sean!
David Britnell - August 7, 2022 1:27 pm
I definitely believe there are angels among us! It’s always uplifting to hear the stories of the people that get to meet them.
Long Stephen - August 7, 2022 1:29 pm
When I was in Vietnam in1970 it was my day to walk point.We were in a bunker complex Checking it out there was a big log laying across the path I started to step across the log that’s when I heard my mother tell me to stop It was as if she was standing right next to me. I looked down and there was a tripwire leading to a Booby trap. When I got back from Vietnam I was talking to my mother an I mentioned it to her she say I know I got up one night an prayed for you not to step on it.
Marguerite Fortino - August 7, 2022 2:02 pm
About 15 years ago, the car in which my husband was riding, was hit head-on on the interstate. After he was dragged from the car (along with the 3 children and their mother who was driving), saw a vision of multitudes of “people” overhead — people who were not there. (The ambulance folks came later.) He calls them his angels, and it strengthened his beliefs.
Annette Watters - August 7, 2022 2:08 pm
I read this column just before I get onto an airplane this morning to take me to MD Anderson in Houston for a week of very intensive cancer treatments. Thank you for telling me its going to be all right.
debbiemccann1704 - August 7, 2022 11:39 pm
God bless you and strengthen you, Annette.
Larry Ratliff - August 7, 2022 2:08 pm
My friend I believe in the unseen world! A spiritual realm where forces of good are at work helping those in need. Just like the women and her children driving home and BAM, a deer thru the windshield, my friend had a similar experience.
She also was in a car accident and was penned in the front seat by the steering wheel, the days before air bags. And out of nowhere this man arrives, safely removes her from her vehicle and is never seen again. When the police and paramedics arrive they ask how she got out of her vehicle. She stated a man showed up and told her ” Everthings gonna be ok”. They told her it was humanly impossible for anyone to be removed for that vehicle given the condition of the vehicle caused by the wreck.
Kathy - August 7, 2022 2:10 pm
God is all knowing, all powerful. I love these stories. Please continue to share them. Thank you Sean
sandpipers13 - August 7, 2022 2:26 pm
You are an old soul in a young body. Your words are those of a man who has lived lifetimes more than your mortal age. What a splended gift you give us all.
Lisa - August 7, 2022 2:48 pm
It was 1974 and my grandmother looked out the bathroom window into her backyard. Granddaddy was talking to a man in a robe. Grandmama was wondering how a hippy had ended up in very rural Alabama. Then Granddaddy turned to her and smiled. She said he looked younger and healthier than he had in years. He started climbing steps that she couldn’t see. Then it was like a door opened. He stopped and looked down at her and smiled again. As both of the men walked thru the door, she could see less and less of them as they disappeared. She knew Granddaddy was dead before she went to the living room.
Teresa Blankenship - August 7, 2022 2:49 pm
Amen❤️
dee gambill - August 7, 2022 3:17 pm
Thank you. I needed this today
Linda Summers - August 7, 2022 3:59 pm
Thanks Sean, I think you wrote this for me to read today.
pattymack43 - August 7, 2022 4:06 pm
As a retired Hospice RN, I pride myself in thinking I’ve heard the best of stories concerning the human condition. BUT your stories are better!! Continue to write and share with us everyday, Sean. I so look forward to your daily offering to your readers. Blessings to you and Jamie!
Eve - August 7, 2022 4:11 pm
Cheryll Flowers, I feel your deep heartache over the loss of your precious grandson. Please know I will be holding you and your family close.
Sara - August 7, 2022 4:19 pm
Damn you smarter than you look. I needed this so bad this morning. Love you Buddy. It is going to be alright.
Kip - August 7, 2022 5:02 pm
It’s going to be alright, Sean.
Jennie Stultz - August 7, 2022 5:17 pm
Yes it will.
Jan from Iowa City - August 7, 2022 5:31 pm
Amen.
Chasity Davis Ritter - August 7, 2022 5:47 pm
You always seem to have the right posts on just the days I need it most. Thank you Sean.
Pat, Eastern NC - August 7, 2022 6:52 pm
Each day, I feel your writing in my heart. Thanks be to God. (Episcopal phrase; forgive me 😂)
Cyndee - August 7, 2022 7:02 pm
Thank you! I needed that today. I will get the results of my latest pet scan tomorrow. I needed to hear those words of encouragement.
MAM - August 7, 2022 7:07 pm
I truly needed that today. I personally think you, Sean, are one of those angels in disguise! Every day, you help so many of us get through our days, uplift us when we need it, and remind us of the important things in life! Thank you, Sean.
joyceann41@bellsouth.net - August 7, 2022 7:50 pm
I wouldn’t have wanted to miss you in my almost 82 year old life…but I just recently met you, through “Will the Circle Be Unbroken”…and now follow this podcast. You ARE one who reassures that “It’s going to be alright!” Thank you for using your gift of writing to remind us that we ARE going to be alright and that hardships teach perseverance…and that there is a light at the end of this part of our lives, though I wouldn’t want to miss this part, either!
Pay - August 7, 2022 8:37 pm
Please Sean, do tell more of these stories every once in a awhile. I love your writing but these are are sttories from Heaven, from God himself, showing us how he is making sure we are all taken care of. If everyone would take the time to reflect back on their day. They would see where God sent one of his angels to help
Rebecca Souders - August 7, 2022 9:39 pm
Thanks, Sean. Just when I needed it.
Linda Moon - August 7, 2022 9:55 pm
I have a story. I watched a horror movie in which a killing took place at 3:15 AM while the victims were asleep. Well, I got a tap on my shoulder at 3:15 as I was sleeping for months afterward. Sometimes I would force myself not to look at the clock, but when I inevitably did, it wasn’t 3:21 or 3:18.or anything other than 3:15! And to Cydee – I hope your results tomorrow are good!
Debbie - August 7, 2022 9:55 pm
Sean, thank you. I, like the others, needed what you have given. God bless you and your family.
Maggie Priestaf - August 8, 2022 12:25 am
Sean, again, thank you…
Rebecca - August 8, 2022 12:46 am
Thank you. I needed this today
Elgin - August 8, 2022 2:15 am
Sean, I know you have a gozillion emails and posts to answer and I’ve written to you many times. I feel like the last kid picked for the dodge ball game at pe.
So, if this letter vis email ever crosses your desk or maybe Jamie sees it before you do, I hope you take the time to lay eyes.
My wife and I have followed and read your columns for the last several years. We love your writings. You are above your years. We are probably 20 years your senior but you remember all the same things from our past. Baseball, NASCAR, good ole country music, honked tonk joints, PBR. I just wanted you to know we enjoy and appreciate your stories and your shared life! Bless you Sir and Jamie and your dogs!
Slimpicker - August 8, 2022 4:06 am
Reminds me of another song by Alabama, “Angels Among Us”.
Dawn - August 8, 2022 4:10 am
Thank you Sean.
Dee Thompson - August 8, 2022 12:29 pm
My mother was going through a really hard time as a young wife and mother, feeling very overwhelmed, and she found a book at the library that changed her life and her faith. It was filled with wisdom and encouragement. She read it to the end, and felt better. She took it back to the library. The next day, she decided to check it out again and re-read it. The library had never heard of it. The librarian said there was no such book — it had never been published. It didn’t exist. Mom was totally puzzled. Later, she decided it was God, sending her comfort through a book. She was an avid reader and read 2-3 books a week, all her life.
Sue - August 8, 2022 1:24 pm
I believe God sends angels to do His work. They come in times when we need them. I think these are all some of those angels. No one can explain them. They are just there.
Peggy M. Windham - August 8, 2022 3:29 pm
I believe in miracles and we can always at times in our lives surely need one!🙏
Sue Corbin - August 8, 2022 4:44 pm
Sean, I was going through a very tough patch one year and I literally lay on the floor and sobbed!! My husband yelled for me to shut up and I cried some more! I finally went to bed and slept, and I had a dream of my father who had passed away the year before.
In the dream, I was in the kitchen washing dishes when I looked up and my daddy was standing there, I was so happy to see him, I hugged him and he looked so good. He wasn’t sick anymore and he looked at me and said everything is going to be alright and he kissed me on the cheek! We talked for a while and I asked him about mother and how she was doing! Mother had passed two years before daddy and he said she was wonderful!
I can’t say what happened but the next morning I got up and went to work and I felt like a load had been lifted off of my shoulders! I was comforted and assured all would be well! I will never forget that peace that came over me! I am so thankful!
Ruth Ann - August 8, 2022 9:42 pm
Beautiful, as usual!
Sara Howland - August 8, 2022 8:18 pm
I love you, Sean Dietrich. You make life better.
Tori - August 11, 2022 9:56 pm
When my uncle was two years old, he was playing while the rest of the family was working on the farm. My grandma must have taken her eyes off him for a minute and he was gone. The whole town searched for him in the woods until the found him two days later walking by a creek. Eaten by mosquitoes and a shoe missing but otherwise in fine shape. His father asked if he’d been scared, bout he said no, a tall white man had been walking next to him and kept watch over him. I have an old paper clipping from the local newspaper about it. This happened in 1934.
CHARALEEN WRIGHT - August 17, 2022 10:21 pm
🥰
DiAn - August 26, 2022 2:57 pm
I think these are called, “Angels amongst us”. Some twenty-plus years ago, my youngest sister was facing foot surgery and quite scared. Suddenly a “very beautiful young black” unknown (at least to the other surgical & hospital staff) nurse appeared at the foot of her bed. Just looking at his beatific face completely calmed her anxiety and prepared her for the surgery. Then he calmly and silently disappeared, amidst all the hustle and bustle of my sister’s pre-surgery hospital room. To this day, we believe that he was the angelic answer to prayers for her protection, peace, and healing during that vulnerable and precious time.
We are all loved and cared for in ways far beyond what is ‘humanly understood’. Thanks be to the Lord. Amen!
Julie, RN - November 14, 2022 3:41 am
Please post more “God Winks”…they make everything alright ✝️