This morning August 6, 2010 at 3:30 AM, I experienced a strange dream.  I was with my parents, sister, and son in a car.  I don't know where we were driving but we were in the middle of a storm.  The road had the ocean on each side, there were massive walls of water that we were driving through.  Suddenly at one point the road was covered with water which my dad faced head on and drove through.  As the water engulfed our vehicle I was consumed with fear.   Dad didn't seem afraid, he navigated us through and we came out the other side.  We then stopped at a store, that had an "Old Fashioned" atmosphere.  For some reason I led my mother to the back in hopes of showing her something, I don't know what that was, but I definitely knew this place.  When we got to the back room there were several women standing around.  Each was shopping and doing her own thing.  I engaged in a conversation with one of the women.  I began to share the following true story....  
     Shortly after my husband left, I was heartbroken and financially broken.   A woman that I had known for many years came to me one day and out of the blue gave me a $100.00.  The money came with one stipulation.  This gracious woman insisted that I spend that $100.00 on getting myself a haircut.  Apparently, I looked as bad as I felt!  I attempted to reject the gift.  I had so many things I needed money for and a haircut was way at the bottom of the list.  However, she insisted and made me promise!  So the next day I proceeded to find a place that I could get my haircut really CHEAP.  A hundred dollars on a haircut used to be nothing for me but life had changed. I knew if I went some place inexpensive I could buy some food with the rest of the money.   I drove to one of those "Cookie Cutter" places that typically give bad haircuts, and by the grace of God received the most amazing new look!  I came out of that salon feeling better about myself, better about my circumstances...I felt HOPEFUL!  A simple gift, and unselfish act, filled my heart with joy and made me feel loved and blessed during the most heartbreaking time of my life! It's amazing what a good haircut can do for us ladies!
     After I shared the story in my dream, one by one the other women began to share similar stories.  This is when I awoke.  I laid in the dark reflecting on this dream.  I realized that God had placed several people in my life the last eight years who have acted in a similar way.  Once, my car broke down at church the Sunday before a job interview.  A godly man had my car towed to a shop and then he and some other men paid almost $700.00 to have a new fuel pump installed.  I didn't do anything that deserved such kindness, yet it was given.  I have been so discouraged for months now.  Tired of life being so hard!  God has reminded me this morning of His grace and unconditional love for me.  He has reminded me of the "Angels" He has placed in my life.  These acts of kindness that I have experienced should not be forgotten.  He uses individuals to meet the needs of His children.  He sends "Angels" to us in our time of need.  I can list five incidents in the last eight years where God has sent an "Angel" to me. These "Angels" are without wings or halos; they are simply people stepping beyond themselves and performing acts of kindness.  
      I know that many of you have had "Angels" in your life.  Our country right now is experiencing such great trouble.  People are struggling; hearts are heavy.  I thought maybe each of you could write down stories of "Angels" in your life.  If you would email them to me; I would love to use them in a project.   I believe our stories will encourage those who are struggling as well as inspire others to act.   I'm not sure what this project actually looks like two hours after this dream, but I will keep everyone posted as it develops.  Please email your stories to sl.bramlett@hotmail.com.  I greatly appreciate your participation!  I look forward to being inspired by the "Angels" in your life!