Angel Song

by Sheila Walsh

  “You got it, buddy.”

  “Sure you are.” Tammy laughed as she pinned the hem of the new living room drapes. “I think I could offer a few examples that would prove otherwise.”

  “There’s no reason to get nitpicky. We’re right about the important stuff anyway. Keith knows about homeless angels named Uriel, and I know about beautiful women named Annie. Far as I’m concerned, that’s all that matters.”

  “Oh really?” Annie walked over and sat in his lap. “Tell me more about that.”

  “Ew, gross,” Keith said and snickered from somewhere behind them, but Annie didn’t care.

  Ethan kissed her lightly. “Hope you’ve got awhile, because I have lots to say on the subject.”

  “Take all the time you need.” She buried her head on his shoulder. “I’ve got all day.”

  “I’m thinking something longer term might be necessary.”

  Annie raised her head.

  “Come on, Ethan,” Keith broke in. “Let’s go play football. This is getting way too mushy.” He pulled on Ethan’s arm.

  “Keith, you may always be right, but your sense of timing could definitely use a little work.” He and Annie stood. She watched him start out the door with Keith, but then he turned and looked at her. “Conversation to be continued.”

  “I’m counting on it.”

  Acknowledgments

  SHEILA WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE:

  Rick Christian: You are so much more than a wonderful literary agent. You are a dear friend and a funny man. It’s great to be a part of the “Alive” family.

  Lee Hough: I’m so grateful that you are my book agent. You shepherded this project on every level, as a dream became reality. Thank you.

  Allen Arnold and the Thomas Nelson Fiction Team: It has been such an amazing experience to work with each one of you. You are truly the best at what you do. You faithfully steward the place of honor and respect that God has given you and it is a joy to be part of your family.

  Ami McConnell: You poured yourself tirelessly into this book and your attention to every tiny detail is just one of the reasons that you are so brilliant at what you do. Thank you for a listening ear and an open heart.

  Jen Deshler, Natalie Hanemann, and Katie Bond: Thank you for your giftedness, wisdom, care and encouragement.

  Mary Graham and the Women of Faith team: Thank you for giving me a platform to share my passion and my call and your forever friendship as we share this journey to the hearts of women.

  Barry Walsh: You caught this vision right away and have walked it out with me step by step. Thank you for the hours you spent pouring over the manuscript and keeping us true to Charleston, your home. You and our darling son, Christian, have put a song in this girl’s heart!

  FROM KATHRYN CUSHMAN:

  Lee Cushman—I don’t know how I would have survived this past year without your love and support. Thank you for being the man God called you to be.

  Melanie Cushman—During the writing of this book I’ve spent thirty-two days at your hospital bedside, and dozens more days in various doctors’ offices, watching you endure more than any sixteen-year-old should ever have to endure. Your courage and upbeat attitude never fail to amaze me.

  Carl Parrish—Your courage and sense of humor in the face of cancer give me one more reason to be proud to call you Daddy. Your granddaughter gets it from you.

  Ora Parrish—Mom, you’ve always been my biggest fan, supporter, and best friend. I love you.

  Carl, Alisa, Leah, Katy, Lisa—I have the best family in the world.

  Gary and Carolyn, Kathleen, Brenna, Kristyn, Judy, Carol, Denice—for the love and support during the darkest of times.

  Lori Baur—Friend, neighbor, PR manager.

  Carrie Padgett, Julie Carobini, Michael Berrier, and Shawn Grady—my writing and prayer partners.

  Jim Rubart, John Olson, Katie Vorreiter, and Jenn Doucette—the Winklings.

  Ami McConnell—You are an amazing editor. I don’t how we would have pulled all these divergent ideas into one cohesive story without your guidance.

  Jenny Baumgartner—Your attention to detail amazes and inspires me. Thanks for the prayer support, and for all those pats on the back which always seemed to come at just the right time.

  Lee Hough—You truly are the ideal agent! You are the calm voice of reason in every situation.

  Bill Hogan—Thank you for walking me through the world of Charleston surfing.

  Reading Group Guide

  1. Angel Song is a story of contrasts: North and South, old and new, life and death, natural and manmade, honesty and deceit, weak and strong. How do the authors use these contrasts to deliver the message of the book? Can you think of examples of each?

  2. Throughout the book, Ann hears music no one else can hear, while Keith sees beings no one else can see—specifically angels. Have you ever had such an experience? Have you ever sensed the nearness of God or His angels through one of the five senses? What happened?

  3. “Eleanor moved closer to the painting of Sodom and Gomorrah. ‘Interesting, isn’t it, the different jobs that angels have? This one is destroying a city; this one is helping an outcast in the wilderness. A rather diverse job description.’” These are only two descriptions of what angels do. What does the Bible tells us about the nature—and usefulness—of angels?

  4. There are many instances when God, through His angels, reaches out to Ann. What do you think was the breaking point for Ann, when she decided to believe what the angels were telling her?

  5. When Keith accidentally breaks Sarah’s valuable pitcher, she tells him, “I’ve been thinking for a long time now that something so beautiful shouldn’t be kept up on a shelf where no one ever sees it . . . I’ve been thinking about breaking it and taking it to an artist friend of mine who makes mosaic tiles. That way I could put it somewhere that I’d see it all the time. It could make me happy every day.” This vignette is a parable for what often happens in life: something that seems like a disaster at the time ends up being just the thing we needed to make us see our lives differently. Can you think of a disaster in your own life that was actually a blessing in disguise?

  6. Another message is at play when Sarah tells Ethan, “Even something that appears broken, in the hands of a master artist, can be made into something more beautiful than the original.” What is the message? Which characters benefit when they learn this message?

  7. Eleanor appears at key moments throughout the story: she is at the scene of the wreck, for example, and at the museum in New York. She appears at opportune moments with words of wisdom that make Ann think. What role do you think she plays? Do you think that Eleanor may have been an angel? Why?

  8. In a chance meeting on her own street, Eleanor tells Ann, “If there’s something you don’t want to face, the sooner you get to it, the better . . . And if it looks to be too big to handle, I break it up into smaller pieces . . . But I don’t let myself avoid the goal altogether.” If you believe Eleanor was an angel, what do you think she was trying to tell Ann?

  9. In the hospital, Ethan tells Ann that he just felt in his spirit that he was supposed to help her. He didn’t know why, but he felt it so strongly that he kept after her even though she rebuffed him. Have you had a feeling like this? What did you do? What was the outcome?

  10. Reading the words “make a clean break” in her mother’s letter, Ann is startled to see her own thoughts mirrored by the woman who’d abandoned her. Funny how it felt so much nobler when she [herself ] was the one making the clean break, and begins to reconsider her plans. What’s the difference between a clean break and quitting? Have you ever felt you were making a clean break—but then others have accused you of being a quitter? How did you handle that?

  11. Arguing with Ethan, Ann says, “See, this is your problem. You’re stuck in the old. Old houses, old floors, old ways of doing things. Take a look at what’s new around you; it’s so much more freeing to be able to live in the moment.” Ethan begi
ns to reply, “There’s where you’re dead wrong. We need the old to—” but he is cut off. What do you think he would have said? Do you agree with him, or disagree? Why?

  12. Ethan tells Ann, “Tearing out the old, icky stuff is hard, it’s messy . . . And at times it’s downright painful. But you’ve got to be willing to go through the process if you really want to see a true change. Anything less is just a cover-up.” He’s talking about remodeling homes, but he could just as easily be talking about changing one’s life. Do you agree with him? Which characters in Angel Song were willing to go through the awkward process of change?

  13. A homeless man near her apartment introduces Ann to Hebrews 13:2: “Don’t forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” This concept adds to her understanding of angels—and she begins to reconsider everything that’s happened to her. How many strangers has Ann met? How many might have been angels? Have you ever met a stranger that, in retrospect, you believe may have been an angel?

  14. About her son, Keith, Tammy thinks, If only everyone could see, they would realize that the one they thought weak was actually the strongest one among them. What does she mean? What does the Bible say about situations like this?

  15. When Ann sees a painting of the dismissal of Hagar, the slave woman who bore Abraham’s first son, she is shocked that a young mother would be turned out into the desert wilderness—although the experience of having to make do alone is not unlike her own. Then she notices an angel in the painting. As Ann learns more about Hagar—and angels—she begins to understand the nature of God for the first time. Have you had an experience when you felt completely alone? Looking back, can you say when you realized God had been with you all along?

  16. Ann says, “If there is a God, why wouldn’t He take better care of the people who actually believe in Him?” This raises the age-old question: why do bad things happen to Christians? Do you think Angel Song answers this question for Ann? For you?

  Dear Friend,

  I have always been fascinated by the power of a good story. Sometimes when it is told just right, you forget that it is a story at all. It’s as if you know the characters so well that they have become friends. In those stories, you laugh and cry and feel a little less alone. A good story will do that for you as will a circle of friends. Let me introduce you to my circle.

  Over the past fifteen years I have had the privilege of being a part of a team called, “Women Of Faith”. As we have travelled from coast to coast, meeting over four million woman one thing had become crystal clear; we all have a story to tell. Each weekend I watch something take place, which is still a mystery to me. As each of my friends gets up on stage to sing or speak or perform a piece of drama I feel the audience lean in and listen. At times you could hear a pin drop, at times the laughter is so intense it rolls in waves. Sometimes as tears flow you know that healing is taking place.

  I’d love to invite you to join us one weekend and experience this for yourself. The most common response from women coming for the first time is, “I had no idea!” I understand that sentiment, as that’s how I felt after my first weekend in 1997. So check your schedule and gather up some of your circle and join us. I think I’m fairly safe saying, it will be life changing . . . and when you come, find me and let me know what you thought of Angel Song, I’d love to know!

  Your friend,

  Sheila

  Inspiration for Women

  At a Women of Faith weekend, you’ll join thousands of other women for a surprisingly intimate, unexpectedly funny, deeply touching 2-day event. Renowned speakers, award-winning musical artists, best-selling authors, drama, and more combine for a hope-filled event like no other.

  “The music was incredible and each speaker’s message either brought me to tears, laughing, or both! I have never had a more fulfilling, uplifting experience! You rehabilitated my soul!” –Debbie

  Coming to a City Near You

  Schedule, Talent line up, and more at womenoffaith.com

  Or call 888.49.FAITH for details.

  Join us at One of These Life-Changing Events!

  It’s the perfect getaway weekend for you and your friends—or a special time just for you and God to share. Register Today!

  WOMEN OF FAITH

  Fiction Novels

  A Time to Dance,

  KAREN KINGBURY

  A Time to Embrace,

  KAREN KINGSBURY

  Sand Pebbles,

  PATRICIA HICKMAN

  The Covenant Child,

  TERRI BLACKSTOCK

  Gardenias for Breakfast,

  ROBIN JONES GUNN

  A Song I Knew by Heart,

  BRET LOTT

  Alaska Twilight,

  COLLEEN COBLE

  My Life as a Doormat,

  RENE GUTTERIDGE

  The Note,

  ANGELA HUNT

  The Pearl,

  ANGELA HUNT

  The Debt,

  ANGELA HUNT

  Stranded in Paradise,

  LORI COPELAND

  Reconstructing Natalie,

  LAURA JENSEN WALKER

  (*2006 NOVEL OF THE YEAR)

  RV There Yet? ,

  DIANN HUNT

  Quaker Summer,

  LISA SAMSON

  (*2007 NOVEL OF THE YEAR)

  The Angels of Morgan Hill,

  DONNA VANLIERE

  Midnight Sea,

  COLLEEN COBLE

  The Wedding Machine,

  BETH WEBB HART

  The Perfect Life,

  ROBIN LEE HATCHER

  The Yada Yada Prayer Group,

  NETA JACKSON

  (*2008 NOVEL OF THE YEAR)

  The Inheritance,

  TAMERA ALEXANDER

  Sweetwater Gap,

  DENISE HUNTER

  Healing Waters

  STEPHEN ARTERBURN & NANCY RUE

  (*2009 NOVEL OF THE YEAR)

  A Lady Like Sarah,

  MARGARET BROWNLEY

  Just Between You and Me,

  JENNY B. JONES

  WORLD VISION

  WHO WE ARE :

  World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

  WHOM WE SERVE :

  Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, World Vision serves alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people.

  WH y WE SERVE :

  Our passion is for the world’s poorest children whose suffering breaks the heart of God. To help secure a better future for each child, we focus on lasting, community-based transformation. We partner with individuals and communities, empowering them to develop sustainable access to clean water, food supplies, health care, education, and economic opportunities.

  HOW WE SERVE :

  Since 1950, World Vision has helped millions of children and families by providing emergency assistance to those affected by natural disasters and civil conflict, developing long-term solutions within communities to alleviate poverty and advocating for justice on behalf of the poor.

  YOU CAN HELP:

  Partnering with World Vision provides tangible ways to honor God and put faith into action. By working together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families who are struggling to overcome poverty. To find out more about how you can help, visit www.worldvision.org or www.theholeinourgospel.com.

  About the Authors

  SHEILA WALSH is a powerful communicator, Bible teacher, and best-selling author with more than 4 million books sold. A featured speaker with Women of Faith, Sheila has reached more than 3.5 million women by artistically combining honesty, vulnerability, and humor with God’s Word.

  Author of the best-selling memoir Honestly and the Gold Medallion nominee for The Heartache No One Sees, Sheila’s most recent release, Beautiful Things Happen When
A Woman Trusts God, includes a 12-week Bible study. The Gigi, God’s Little Princess book and video series has won the National Retailer’s Choice Award twice and is the most popular Christian brand for young girls in the United States.

  Sheila co-hosted The 700 Club and her own show Heart to Heart with Sheila Walsh. She is currently completing her Masters in Theology and lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Barry, son, Christian, and two little dogs Belle and Tink.

  Visit sheilawalsh.com for more information on Shelia and her products.

  KATHRYN CUSHMAN is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy. After practicing as a pharmacist, she left her career to spend more time at home with her daughters and has since pursued her dream of writing. She is the author of Leaving Yesterday, Waiting for Daybreak, and A Promise to Remember. Kathryn and her family currently live in Santa Barbara, California.

  Visit these sites to learn more about

  Done Syndrome

  BAND OF ANGELS

  http://www.bandofangels.com/

  BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF DOWN SYNDROME

  http://www.budsonline.net/

  NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY

  http://www.ndss.org/