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An angel is pure spirit and, as such, has no shape. A body is a material
thing; while material things change and die, pure spiritual beings do
not. But for the purpose of interacting with us, an angel may at times
assume a shape in order to fulfill the purpose God intends for the angel
to accomplish.
If for the purpose of the angel’s visit to be accomplished the angel
wants to be recognized, the angel would most likely assume a shape that
would allow this. But the purpose of an angel’s visit may require an
angel to go unrecognized. The author of Hebrews warns Christians, "Do
not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have
entertained angels unawares (Heb 13:2).
God the Holy Spirit was willing to appear as a dove (cf. Mt 3:16, Mk
1:10, Lk 3:22, Jn 1:32). There is no reason in principle that an angel
could not appear in animal form.
Your opinions are welcome. Contact
drgleason@theanimalcarecenter.net
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My mother had a beautiful Maine Coon cat named Beach Bum, she lived in
New England and that cat adored the ocean, thus the name. That cat was
very smart!
When I was a kid he would lay in wait on top of the freezer and bop one
on the head if they helped themselves to ice cream and didn't share. He
was already de-clawed (we think it is cruel to de-claw) when she got
him, therefore it did not hurt, it just startled us.
My mother was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and died
suddenly. My sister was only 11 and my aunt took her in, however I was
already old enough to be on my own and I moved Beaches back to Texas
with me.
Beaches lived to be almost 20 years. When he became ill and started to
lose weight, the vet ran some tests and told me that he had cancer and
that if he had been younger treatment would be an option but at his age
the anesthesia alone would kill him, the kindest thing to do was put him
to sleep. I took him back home and struggled with the decision. It was
so hard, I was happy to have something living that my mother loved and
now it was ironic that I should lose him to the same disease. A few
weeks later he was much worse.
Later I had a vision that seemed very real. My mother was standing
before me and said, let him go baby, let him go. As long as you love him
and remember him, you will never really lose him. A part of him will
always be there with you.
I could not do it and had my then husband take him in for me. I cried
for days and felt guilty because I did not say goodbye. It consumed me
and I felt as if I were falling apart.
Later I thought I could sense him. Now Beach Bum would never use the
litter box but would beg to go outdoors and do his business in the
bushes. When he was ready to come back in he would throw his weight
against the front door (having no claws to scratch) until someone heard
him and let him back in. Many a night I thought I heard someone at the
door.
One day my ex remarked that the neighborhood kids must be playing a
trick on us. He would hear a sound and go outside only to discover that
no one was there. One night we had a bunch of friends over, before my
last guest left she said, "I could swear that I heard someone at your
door".
After everyone everyone had left I knew what I had to do, I waited up
until I heard the sound again, walked to the door, slowly opened it, and
gently said "Come in my Beach Bum".
I saw his form enter the doorway and although not solid, he looked
beautiful again, restored to health. He brushed his soft long fur
against my leg and I knew this was my chance. "Goodbye my Beach Bum, I
love you, thank you for letting me say goodbye". He walked towards the
kitchen and disappeared into the shadows, I never saw him again.
Afterwords I dreamnt of my mother sitting in a rocking chair, and in her
lap was a very contented Maine Coon cat.
By Laurie Rutledge
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