Paul writes in Colossians 1:16 “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” God created angels for those of us on earth to give us guidance and direction.

The word angel comes from the greek word “angelos” meaning messenger. When I think of those who have affected my life by discipleship, two names come to mind. Mr. Moore and Mr. Harvey are two men who have lived their life to the fullest by serving god each and every day. Now that they have been called home I believe they are watching over me from heaven as if they were still here with me today.

The difference between someone wise beyond my years, like Mr. Moore, and myself is that while I was worrying about what I needed for my dorm room or spending time with my friends this summer, he was spending his time serving the Lord in the simplest ways.

Mr. Moore was an amazing man who lived everyday to serve the Lord. He took our church custodians out for lunch, served with First Connect, a service ministry, always volunteered for Sunday school and above all was a welcoming face at Marietta First Baptist Church. Not too long ago he lost his battle with cancer.

As I said before, I believe that I have two guardian angels. Mr. Harvey was a man that went to my church that I've had the pleasure to know since I was very young. When people think of Mr. Harvey they know that he really embodies what it means to be a Christian and live every day for the Lord. Sadly, in 2013, Mr. Harvey lost his battle to cancer. This was the first time I watched cancer destroy someone I love and it was awful. There were days good days where Mr. Harvey could finish his meal and there were bad days where he could hardly speak. There were many days where I left his hospital room crying.

The last time I spoke with Mr. Harvey was before my first international mission trip. I knew I was making him proud as I boarded the plane. I prayed for him every day hoping he would be there for me to tell him about my trip. But he wasn't there when I got back but instead was in heaven. It was then that I realized I didn't need to tell Mr. Harvey everything I saw and encountered on my mission trip because he already knew. He had been watching over me that whole time and he still is today.

Psalm 91:11 says “If you say, the Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the most high your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” God give us trials and hardships so that we can persevere and follow him. Times were hard for Jesus and times will be hard for his followers. We are told that many times but we are given strength when we lean on the Lord.

They may have lost their battle with cancer but they won the battle against satan and the examples they gave others will help more people than they could have imagined.

There have been moments in my life since Mr. Harvey and Mr. Moore have passed away that I’d like to consider “god moments” because there was someone else working for my benefit that was going unnoticed. Whether it was the beautiful sky I saw on the way to move into Samford my freshman year or all the near missed accidents on the road.

I am thankful for all the hugs, the holiday cards, and the smiles that I shared with Mr. Moore and Mr. Harvey. I am proud to say that I know them and that they were a huge part of my walk of faith. They gave me something to live up to and I am grateful that they are the ones watching over me.