By D. Witte

Recently, I attended Fireside Theater Production of the Christmas Classic “A Wonderful Life.”  I’m sure you’ve seen it at least once, if not several times. This was a musical adaptation and what particularly intrigued me this time, was the character of Clarence, a guardian angel sent to help the main character, George Bailey, realize the value of his life and the impact he has on others.

In the story, George is a building and loan banker who sacrifices his dreams in order to help his community of Bedford Falls to the point where he feels life has passed him by.  In a depressed state, George considers suicide, but Clarence, his guardian angel intervenes to show him what life would have been without him.

Without George, Mary (his wife) would have remained single, missing out on a loving marriage and family life.

Without George, his brother would have died as a child, preventing him from becoming a war hero who saved many lives.

Without George, his Uncle Billy would have been institutionalized due to the stress of losing the family business.

Without George, the town (Bedford Falls) would have been drastically different, potentially renamed and overtaken by the wealthy Mr. Potter, who would have exploited the residents.

Without George, many families would have lost their homes, as George’s efforts in the building and loan business provided them with affordable housing.

Seeing all this evidence, George realizes his worth and the story supports a belief that guardian angels can intervene with help in our lives. Do you have a belief in guardian angels? Is it just another childhood fairy tale to you? Did you have an imaginary friend as a child? Some say that was your guardian angel who communicated with you easily before the age of reason. What basis do you have to believe in Guardian angels? Are they simply energy?

As a child I was introduced to the Guardian Angel prayer. I have to say it is rather comforting and a good way to instill confidence in youngsters. Even though I no longer follow the Catholic

teachings, I still believe I have a guardian angel. Some also say your guardian angel is the same from lifetime to lifetime, so you have a constant companion who continues to teach and guide us throughout our lives, whether we believe it or not.

In fact, a number of years ago, I took a class on supernatural beings and had an experience that confirmed my belief. We were taught that angels work directly with humans to help and protect us, provided we ask them to do so, because they are not allowed to interfere with our free will. (Note:  George did ask for help.) During the class, we were encouraged to connect with our guardian angels and ask its name. I was game, so I took the opportunity in silence to ask its name. I was surprised when the name Timothy came to me. But then came the astonishing part. We were advised to get confirmation by asking for a sign to prove it. Once again, I asked for a sign of what that confirmation would be. The word cigar came to me. I was dumbfounded and sure that would never be confirmed. I had no possible connection to cigars.  Imagine my incredulity when the next day, about 30 miles away I was driving along the road and on the right side, there was a huge sign that said “Cigars.”   Made me a believer. Is that an example of “energy follows thought”? Wow! Try it yourself. Maybe your guardian angel is trying to connect.

When I told mom my story, she shared that she too had done that with a class at one point and found out the name of her guardian angel, in much the same way.

Mom is well connected with the angels and told me of an additional mantra/prayer she learned as a child. We can teach it to a child or use it ourselves as a method to reassure ourselves in our beliefs of friendly energies supporting us. 

A few years ago, a friend shared the ritual she practices with a supernatural being she calls the Goddess of Squat when seeking a parking spot. She says, “Goddess of Squat, Goddess of Squat, a close, close spot is what I want.” If she gets her wish, she then throws coins under her car in homage to the Goddess of Squat. If you’re interested in trying, I find it’s best to give her a little lead time, but it works.

I also invite you to connect with your guardian angel. DIY, no need for a class, they will help, just get serious about it.

Four corners around my bed

Four angels around my head

One to watch, two to pray

One to scare bad things away