by Ricky Doc Sauceda
Psalm 116:3-4
“The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: ‘O Lord, save me!’”
Last year I had endured the third and final separation from my wife. I was slowly discovering details of her personal goings on in the months that led up to our finale. It was painful and I also had other issues to deal with. I had an infection on my left foot that was spread on top...it was on most of my upper foot and it was black and seeped clear liquid. My doctor put me on antibiotics: oral and topical. It would get better but worsen. It was a stressful situation.
As I discovered things my estranged wife had done, I would confront her. It was pointless, due to the fact she never would have done them if she had intentions of being together. I failed to see that she was already gone as far as she was concerned...she was already prepared for the end. This caused me to start drinking and I also took up smoking after quitting many years before. I also got a food allergy for the first time in my life...ever. I broke out head to toe and was in excruciating pain.
My doctor prescribed Vicodin pills for me. So, now I was depressed, had an infected foot, was suffering terribly from my skin condition, drinking, smoking and taking pain pills frequently. I was a big mess! I had confronted her by email over the last detail I had discovered, and she replied "Leave me alone." So, the whole weekend I was in a frazzled state. I decided to think as a Christian - a wise choice and it caused an event that would change my direction in many ways. After deciding to look at things in a Christian perspective, I felt peaceful that following Monday. I sent her an email I refer to as my olive branch. In it I forgave her for all things, expressed my understanding and love. I told her she was free of her commitments and that she was my best friend. She had the University of Houston Police contact me to inform me that I was to no longer contact her in any way.
That just threw me for a loop, but I dealt with it. The week passed by and the Memorial Day weekend had come up. I felt compassionate and made a call to my soon to be ex-mother in law, who I had a poor relationship with due to her characteristics. We talked for about an hour and she lovingly invited me to call her anytime to talk. The next event would send me into a frenzied panic. She called my wife and told her that I had upset her and then my wife called my oldest son. My youngest was living with him and he called me to let me know what was happening. He said his mom was calling the police to have me arrested, and I got into my car and went to a co-workers home. He talked to me and after awhile I went back home to await my outcome.
Well, obviously the threat was empty and I was in no peril of arrest. I was at the end of my sanity with all of what I had been going through. I felt that I couldn't take any more of my stress. I called out to God and I was crying and I was very emotional. He must have known I had reached that point that everyone says:
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
I asked Him for a sign so that I would know that He heard me and would be with me to make my way straight. All I had to see was one little sign and I would feel better - I was convinced of it. I felt a presence and turned around...there she was - an angel in my entrance wall. And I mean "in" the wall. It was like a doorway to a dimension...and she was white and golden and radiant. There were white clouds and there were bright lights and all of it blended together majestically. I began to feel so much relief from all of my pain...for the very first time. Little by little, I felt more presence...there were more angels appearing all over in all of my walls...everywhere.
I got on the phone and called my youngest sister. She prayed and celebrated the event with me. I described everything to her and she just kept praising Jesus' name. She revealed having the same experience some time back but had never talked about it. She began to describe features and I confirmed them for her...one by one. It was amazing and wonderful.
Little by little, since then, I have become the best Christian I have ever been in my life. It is the best part of my life and I am so happy in my faith. I love the Lord and I am determined to please Him every day. I know I can't be perfect, but I am going to try to do my best for Him. I want to share the love and excitement that He has blessed me with. I have seen wonderful things in my life and it isn't typical, but others have also experienced these special things.
It is because He is real. He is authentic. He is indeed the Lord God Almighty.
(This event took place on May 23, 2009)