Divine Hope

by Jo O'Neil

  Chapter Three

  The Crystal Room

  Dressed in my white gown which would be the envy of any fashion house, as instructed by my angelic mentors I entered through a door which I expected would lead me to my fellow course attendees. Instead, a devoid of human souls as well as angelic form, crystal covered room laden with many volumes of books stood before me.

  Now, I don’t profess to be an expert on crystals, unlike Molly who likes to dabble in alternative methods and has even been known to place a crystal or two in her bra. A white witch who Molly met at the Mind, Body, and Spirit Show in London, had instructed her to put a pink crystal in her left cup to bring her eternal love, and a black crystal together with a clear one in her right side to protect her mind and body from both the physical and the metaphysical. It all sounded hocus-pocus to me, but Molly swore they worked, and even tried to convince me the crystal she placed on her throat cleared her blocked chakra and cured her tonsillitis.

  I didn’t even know what a ‘chakra’ was until Molly conveyed to me verbatim what the enchantress had told her. “A chakra is a vortex concept that receives energy from God’s Cosmos.” I still didn’t understand, and Molly wouldn’t concede the anti-inflammatory medicine her quack prescribed had anything to do with her recovery. On the premises of a barely five minute conversation, Molly had been tricked by the sorceress into believing there was a crystal to cure all, and she wouldn’t alter her opinion even after I somewhat indelicately demanded her to justify; if her pink crystal brought her love, where was her knight hiding?

  I stood as my mother had taught me not to sit until invited to. In the absence of my host, I spent my time inspecting my long, flowy, feathered gown in the crystals reflection as I waited for my teacher.

  While my eyes were busy, my right hand habitually reached up to my sapphire amulet. Much to my displeasure it had been returned to the earthly realm on God’s orders along with my diamond bracelet.

  Apparently God had only borrowed them, and for the natural order of things to be restored, it had to be so. My Stuart Weitzman’s, which had also been banished from heaven, had been replaced by white satin pumps, but far from being disappointed I felt I had finally, legitimately been graced with the opportunity to wear a gown fit for the wedding dress of a prominent princess, and besides, the material trailed on the floor hiding my less elegant footwear. I was, however, rather disappointed there were no other course participants for me to show off my beautiful, newly acquired outfit, and the lack of occasion reminded me I had no prince waiting for me to officially wear my white matrimonial dress; a prospect I found utterly terrifying even given God’s promise of hooking me up with my soul mate.

  My fearful thoughts were interrupted when a high-pitched, crystal-clear voice called my name.

  ‘Serena. How lovely to meet you. I am Archangel Raziel.’

  I looked to where the excited voice had come from. After the strangest day I had ever known, I shouldn’t have been surprised by the sight that greeted me. Dressed in what looked like the Merlin costume I had seen hanging up in my local fancy dress shop when I rented the feline suit I wore to Molly’s themed birthday party, stood Archangel Raziel. Curiously, far from remaining the customary wizard blue, Archangel Raziel’s robes altered through the entire spectrum of the rainbow. Although undeniably impressive, the scale of colour didn’t detract from the large white eagle shaped wings which folded around Archangel Raziel’s equally colour changing cloak.

  A weak, ‘Hello,’ was all I could muster as I stood agog at the sight before me.

  Far from allowing my deflated response to discourage his enthusiasm, Archangel Raziel jovially called, ‘Come sit with me,’ as he beckoned me towards a crystal chair.

  I obeyed, gingerly lowering myself as I surmised the smooth chair would be significantly hard and cold to sit on. On the contrary it was as soft as velvet and as warm as the sun. I actually looked down suspecting Archangel Raziel had placed a heated cushion underneath me, but there was no such cushion.

  ‘Deceptive, is it not?’ Archangel Raziel asked.

  ‘Yes. If I didn’t know better, I would say this chair is padded. But how can it be, as when I look all I see is crystal beneath me?’ I asked with determination to solve the conundrum. ‘And it’s so deceivingly warm,’ I added.

  ‘It is one of the greatest teachings of God, and it is your first lesson, Serena. For it is always best to look with your heart than your eyes, and it is rarely prudent to assume. Your senses are telling you there is a cushion as soft as velvet protecting you from the hardness of the chair, but your eyes do not share that view. Your logical mind told you to expect a cold surface, but in fact your nervous system can feel the crystal’s warmth. There will be many things your eyes will show you during your assignment that you would be just as well to discard. You would also be wise to remember assumptions are the Devil’s work. Instead, ask God to help you look into your loving heart for the truth, Serena.’

  ‘What can you tell me about my assignment, Archangel Raziel?’

  ‘All will be revealed at the right time.’

  ‘So what do I do in the meantime?’

  ‘God has asked me to use my rainbow aura together with the grace of Archangel Raphael, who at this very moment is sending his healing rays to your glorious soul, to clear any blockages you have carried over with you from your physical body. Many of my colours can be seen in the crystals surrounding you as they reflect God’s Divine Light, including Archangel Raphael’s emerald green. As you look into the crystals the magic of healing begins. In addition to this, you have to be prepared to let go. I know there are a few stubborn issues your ego has clung to. Your soul knows better and has urged you to release the matter, but your ego believes it knows best.’

  Archangel Raziel had my full attention as he continued.

  ‘When you were five, Serena, your uncle left your mother’s sister for another man’s wife. Your mother is very protective of her younger sister; consequently she held great contempt for the man who had hurt her sibling. Since that fateful day, influenced by your mother’s behaviour you have harboured a dislike for any man who betrays the sanctity of marriage. You fight matrimonial cases at your law firm with the ferocity of a tigress, earning you the nickname of ‘Wild-Cat’. This is why you portrayed a cat when you went to Molly’s party.’

  I blushed as I remembered my earlier vision of Merlin’s cloak hanging by my costume.

  ‘There is no need for embarrassment. Who do you think Merlin was based on?’ Archangel Raziel chuckled. ‘In God’s work there is no room for judgment. Blessings can lie in the darkest corner. Will you allow me to heal this prejudice, Serena?’

  ‘It defines me. It’s the standing up for righteousness,’ I answered in a slightly raised voice.

  ‘Who do you think invented righteousness?’ Archangel Raziel asked without being affected by my fluctuating emotions.

  ‘God,’ I answered sheepishly, as I bowed my head to look down at my fingers which were entwined in the feathered material of my dress.

  ‘So if God says it is honourable to drop your ruling that all philanderers are to be punished, will you accept God’s will?’

  ‘I cannot believe God would decree such a verdict,’ I said frustratingly.

  ‘That is exactly what God has done, darling Child. God’s discernment is to love thy neighbour.’

  ‘No matter what home or heart he has ruined?’ I asked with a hint of sarcasm.

  ‘Regardless of the circumstances, God is loving and merciful, and God wishes the same peace to be bestowed on you.’

  I wasn’t convinced, and judging by Archangel Raziel’s next words he understood it was going to take greater powers of persuasion to sway me.

  ‘Do you know what your name translates to?’

  ‘No,’ I answered almost inaudibly.

  ‘Serena stands for calm, Olivia is a symbol of peace, Unity means oneness, and Lewis denotes fame and war.’


  ‘Whoa - so I’m a calm and peaceful one who craves fame and war? That’s a contradiction if ever I heard one.’

  ‘Focus on calm, peace, and oneness. You are the one, Serena, who can bring calm and peace to the world. Averting wars is a gift you will one day be famous for, but first you have to accept God’s will. Will you, Serena; will you accept God’s will?’

  Thankfully, I missed Archangel Raziel’s words foretelling my fame in relation to world peace. Otherwise, I would have cross-examined him further until I received a satisfactory answer, which I doubt he would have given me.

  So blissfully unaware of my destiny, I answered calmly, ‘My father taught me in his house his rules are law. Since I’m in the house of God it would be rude for me to do anything other than to recognise His command.’

  ‘God will not command you, Serena. It is your choice. I do make this promise to you though; if you let go of your ego and rule with your heart, Divine peace will always be with you.’

  ‘Will I need to forget what my uncle did to my aunt?’ I held my breath as I waited for Archangel Raziel’s answer.

  ‘Maybe that is a step too far, but would you be willing to forgive your uncle just as God has?’

  ‘Forgive! He hurt my aunt, an act which in turn hurt my mother,’ I said angrily.

  ‘Your uncle was not responsible for your aunt’s pain, Serena, and he certainly was not accountable for the hurt your mother felt. God has given mankind a great gift: the gift of free will. With free will no one has the power to cause pain to another without the persons consent.’

  My anger subsided as I thought about this free will concept. I had heard much about it during my short time in heaven, but I wasn’t sure I completely understood it. I always prided myself on my intelligence. I grasped philosophy readily, but this free will notion had confounded me, a fact I verbalised.

  ‘Archangel Raziel, I don’t understand. If the greatest gift is free will, why do so many suffer at the hands of others?’

  ‘Now, that is a very good question. Humans who are ego driven thrive in fear. They cannot believe in God’s free will theory which comes from a place of love. Love and fear cannot occupy the same space. Until a person lives their life from love, and hence trusting God’s eternal blessings, they will always fear, and thus the self-fulfilling prophecy is complete.’

  I contemplated Archangel Raziel’s answer before embarrassingly admitting, ‘I’ve not always lived with love as my shining light. Fear has eclipsed my days’.’

  ‘God knows this, dearest Serena, and He wishes for you to know you no longer have to hide in the dark places. Bask in the light, Serena, and be a beacon to others so they may do the same.’

  ‘How do I do that, Archangel Raziel?’

  ‘Forgive, Serena. Open your heart and forgive. You do not have to forget. You do not have to approve, nor should you condemn. Forgive all you have perceived have wronged you.’

  I was just on the brink of a hallelujah moment when Archangel Raziel added, ‘Of course that also includes forgiving Hope Harper.’

  The name sounded an alarm bell in my head. ‘You want me to forgive Hope Harper? The woman not content on having her own husband, she had to steal my-soon-to-propose-to-me!’ I shouted.

  Enraged steam was coming out of my head in the very place my halo, once I had been awarded it, would be. However, at that moment I honesty doubted that I would ever be holy enough to pass the Honorary Angelic Induction Programme and be presented my golden crown.

  ‘No! I can’t do it. I won’t do it. If this makes or breaks my assignment, then so be it. I’ve been told often enough since I’ve been here, God loves me so He has given me free will. Well I’m exercising my free will, and it says, NO!’ I ranted as I folded my arms in a defensive action making my message as clear as the crystals surrounding me.

  Still, Archangel Raziel had an answer. I just wasn’t expecting the punch-line, and believe me it was a punch right between the eyes.

  ‘I know you are maddened that a woman who already had a husband sidelined him for a man you were set on marrying. But Rupert had not actually proposed to you, Serena. In fact, he would not have proposed to you for that was not God’s plan.’

  With my arms still folded I looked at Archangel Raziel with bewildered eyes which were searching out the meaning of his shock revelation.

  ‘God sent Hope to Rupert, my sweet Serena.’

  ‘WHAT?!’

  ‘God’s Universe is clear. There are infallible laws. The fear based existence you chose to follow after your uncle left your aunt disallowed love, and sent you along a road where you attracted the same events that you feared and despised; notably being unmarried and abandoned by love. You see, darling Serena, a soul cannot obsess without attracting that which the soul fixates on.

  ‘Hope’s thoughts were preoccupied with true love, even though she could have concerned herself more with the absent of love after marrying a man who was incapable of sharing this emotion.

  ‘Rupert’s path changed the day he perceived he cheated death when a juggernaut hit his vehicle. He allowed his soul to override his ego, for he was truly grateful to be alive and practically unscathed. Love flooded to Rupert taking him further away from you and straight into the arms of Hope who shared the same vibrational frequency as him.’

  As the realisation of Archangel Raziel’s words hit me, I clutched my chest as if I had suffered a mortal wound. Struggling to regain my composure, I feebly asked, ‘Is this true, Archangel Raziel?’

  ‘I would not lie to you, Serena. Those who lie do not have God in their heart. Please do not despair, my sweet Child. God has given you this chance to right the wrongs your environment bestowed on you as a young, innocent, impressionable child. You have lived far too long in the shade, Serena. If you will allow, God very much wants you to take a vow of love. You cannot love completely if you do not forgive. Do you forgive your uncle, Serena?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Do you forgive Hope Harper, Serena?’

  I hesitated. The way Archangel Raziel had explained the situation it actually wasn’t Hope Harper’s fault. I was the one to blame.

  ‘No one is to blame here, Serena. Blame and love . . .’

  ‘“Cannot occupy the same space.” Yes, I’ve got it, thank you, Archangel Raziel,’ I said as I thought I wasn’t sure how comfortable I was with everyone in heaven reading my mind.

  ‘We do not read minds, we read energy. You too can learn to decipher energy.’

  ‘I can?’ I almost shouted as although Archangel Raziel statement was unexpected, it was potentially very exciting.

  ‘Yes, if you continue with the Honorary Angelic Induction Programme.’

  ‘To do that I need to forgive Hope Harper, right?’ I asked already knowing the answer, but ever hopeful for a more acceptable one.

  ‘To continue you need to forgive anyone who you perceive has ever wronged you, Serena.’

  I looked into the healing crystals and sighed before saying, ‘It could be a very long list. Do we have enough time?’

  ‘We have exactly the right amount of time. Our loving Creator never leaves us wanting when we trust. Living with God, exactness is guaranteed.’

  As Archangel Raziel delivered these wise words, his multi toned halo became visible. The shimmering light emitted a healing effect which helped me reason; I was so tired of living my life my way. Perhaps God’s way would be more satisfying. So following a further sigh, I scrambled for the words which didn’t want to come easily and proclaimed, ‘I forgive you, Uncle Tom. I forgive you, Rupert, for abandoning me for Hope Harper.’ I took a deep breath. ‘I forgive you, Hope,’ I stammered as I found the strength to finish, ‘. . . Harper.’

  Relieved I had said the magic words with some sense of meaning, I determinedly continued to unburden myself of the forgiveness issue I had carried with me since I was a young girl.

  Chapter Four

  The Shell Room
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  My soul cleansing session with Archangel Raziel had left me feeling so blissful, I was able to glide through God’s heavenly realm almost as effortlessly as I had witnessed the angels move. A.M. later commented on how pure I looked. Not too pure, I hoped. Being unselfishly wicked could be fun when the right occasion presented itself. My new loving way of viewing circumstances meant I had adjusted my mindset to trust God would offer such Divinely orchestrated instances, as long as I kept my ego in check and love in my heart and soul.

  Having had my life review and forgiveness therapy, I wondered what was still to come in my Honorary Angelic Induction Programme. Despite my new found blissful approach, I couldn’t help but think the timetable wasn’t running as efficiently as it could. I hadn’t even been issued with a course plan, so I had no idea what stage I had achieved. I mean was I near to completion, or had I only just started? And where was I meant to be now? I was aimlessly gliding around God’s estate, when for all I knew some angel in the west wing maybe waiting for me while I was in the far eastern realm.

  ‘You are exactly where you are meant to be,’ A.M. informed me as he appeared out of nowhere.

  Miraculously, I didn’t jump at A.M.’s sudden manifestation. On the contrary, I was feeling profoundly relaxed after I had stopped to view God’s country when I realised, all I needed to do to look out of a window from what appeared to be a windowless kingdom, was to have the desire to do so, and the stone walls melted away to reveal a magical world too amazingly beautiful to describe with mere words.

  I reluctantly tore my gaze away from the most dramatic rainbow I had ever had the privilege to witness, to ask A.M., ‘I am?’

  ‘Of course. Everything is Divinely Timed, especially so in God’s house.’ Changing tack he said, ‘Soul inspiring, is it not?’ as he gestured towards the purple tinged sky that held the colourful arch I had been admiring.

  ‘Can one really find a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, A.M.?’

  ‘Serena, with God in your life all moments are golden and abundance of all good things is assured, so there is no need to chase fables for the leprechauns’ gold. Besides, leprechauns are notoriously mischievous, so you would do well to leave them alone.’

  ‘Leprechauns! You’re telling me these funny, little bearded men in their top hats and curled up shoes really exist?’ I asked surprised.

  ‘Of course. Who do you think supplies the shoes you wear?’

  ‘A.M! Next you will be telling me the leprechauns live side by side with the Pegasus who are responsible for flying our human planes.’

  ‘Yes, to the first part. The leprechauns and the Pegasus live just beyond the rainbow along with the unicorns, the dragons, the fairies, the light elves, and other creatures humankind has ostracised, leaving them in the main present in your world in fairy tale form only. No, to the Pegasus powering your mode of flying, for the Pegasus are too noble for such menial work.’

  I ignored A.M.’s last comment as my mind was occupied with, ‘“light elves.” Are you implying there are dark elves?’

  ‘There are many dark creatures, Serena. When the Almighty created life He granted all beings the legacy of free will. The few who are under the false pretence that Lucifer is more powerful than the Lord, sided with the Devil. Among them are some elves who instantaneously turned from light to dark when they crossed over to the Fallen Angel.’

  ‘Oh my goodness! Who else turned bad?’

  ‘Bad is a perception of one’s mind. It would be more accurate to state facts, like the expectations placed on your legal system. Stating facts is your forte, Serena. This is one of the reasons God knows you are perfect for this assignment.’

  ‘Let me rephrase my question. Who else turned to the dark side?’

  ‘It is not wise to dwell on such things. Although I will offer a word to the wise; if you ever come across an imp, do not trust him. With this said, I would like to emphasis there are many life forms which are absolute and faithful to our Father.’

  ‘Like angels?’

  ‘Angels are eternally true to God. We do not have free will to tussle with, as being Messengers of God it is vitally important that we honour God’s celestial work indisputably.’

  ‘Let me be clear – your absence of free will is why you are devoted to God?’

  ‘Essentially, yes. Yet, any being pure of heart and soul is faithfully devoted to the Alpha.’

  ‘What I don’t understand is; why did God give free will out as a function? Surely, it would be easier for Him to control us all without free will hindering His progress?’

  ‘Who said God wants to control?’ A.M. said without any deviation to his calm demeanour.

  ‘God is the Maker; the Puppeteer if you like. How can He master His subjects if He has given us free will to block His will?’

  ‘God did not create life to manipulate His creations, Serena. God formed life and blessed each spirit with the freedom of choice to encourage growth.’

  ‘Surely not all souls grow?’

  ‘Whether they do or they do not, it is not for us to judge.’

  ‘A.M., why did God omit to give angels free will?’

  ‘Angels have messages to deliver. If we had free will, we would not deliver every message as it was intended.’

  ‘OK, let me get this straight: angels are trustworthy Messengers of God; leprechauns are playfully naughty; light elves are loyal to God, dark elves are not; imps are not to be trusted. What about fairies, unicorns, Pegasus and dragons?’

  ‘Fairies are dedicated to God. Some of the fairies choose to do God’s work here in His house. Have you noticed there are no dark corners in God’s dominion?’

  ‘I can’t honestly say I’ve given it much thought.’

  ‘When you walk alone in God’s kingdom, have you felt an unexplained presence?’

  ‘Now you come to mention it, I do get the feeling I’m accompanied, even though I’m clearly not.’

  ‘You think you glimpse something out of the corner of your eye, but when you look around there is nothing there?’

  ‘That’s exactly what has been happening. I thought it was the lighting.’ I looked to A.M. for an answer.

  ‘In a sense it is. You see the fairies assist God by giving light to His realm with their Divinely magical wands.’

  ‘I thought the sun acted as the light bulb here?’

  ‘The sun does bless this house with light. However, it is supported by the fairies. Fairies are peaceful folk who seek quiet places. Although rarely seen, the ones who do not dwell here honour your woodlands with their care and protection in return for the forests tranquility. The two complement each other perfectly, and bless mankind for your woods are a haven from the noisy polluted existence your cities offer.’

  ‘Do you see the fairies here, A.M.?’

  ‘They surround us.’

  ‘Why do they hide from me? I’m an honorary angel?’ I said a little hurt.

  ‘You are in training for honorary angelic status. Once this privilege has been granted by God, the fairies will reveal themselves to you.

  ‘The unicorns and Pegasus are ancient and wise. They are the Creator’s symbol of purity and grace, and are among God’s most loyal servants.

  ‘Dragons can be tricky. The Devil took dragon form when he fought me in the Great Battle of Heaven. Indisputably, the dragons that live in God’s paradise are faithful to our Lord and have immense respect for Him, whereas the same cannot be said with their dealings of others.’

  Before I could say anymore, A.M. tenderly commanded, ‘Now, follow me. We need to turn here,’ he beckoned, ‘then it is just a bit further down this way. Here we are.’ A.M. gestured towards a shell covered door. ‘This is Archangel Raguel’s study. This door use to be covered in ice, and the interior was icy cold with frozen stalagmites and stalactites decorations, but visitors would occasionally skewer themselves on the icicles.’ I raised my eyebrows, a movement seemingly oblivious to A.M. as he con
tinued nonchalantly, ‘After God, Jesus, Archangel Raphael, and I had administered several emergency healings, God suggested Archangel Raguel may like to redecorate his quarters. As Archangel Raguel favours the sea, a harmless aquarium theme, minus actual water, seemed far more fitting. He does keep a favoured tree from before his refurbishment which resembles a fern, but is made purely of snow drops, and also several ice structures, all with rounded edges so as not to cause any harm.’

  ‘I see,’ I answered as my eyebrows started to resettle.

  After I had barely finished my response, A.M. announced, ‘Archangel Raguel counsels and mediates.’

  ‘Who does he counsel and mediate for?’

  ‘Anyone who requires his services.’

  ‘I’ve made my peace so I really don’t think I need to see Archangel Raguel, A.M.’

  ‘My sweet Child, that is exactly why you are seeing Archangel Raguel.’

  I looked confused.

  ‘Archangel Raguel is not here to counsel or mediate for you.’

  ‘He isn’t?’

  ‘No. As you said, you have found peace. That is evident in the way you glide around. If your heart remained heavy you would still be trudging around as if in chains, instead of floating with freedom.’

  ‘Then why do I need a counselor who also mediates?’

  ‘Archangel Raguel is going to help you with the task God has assigned to you.’

  ‘He is? So I’m finally going to find out what I need to do to get home?’

  ‘Everything will be revealed to you at precisely the right time, Serena. Divine Timing is exact.’ With this statement, A.M. swung open the shell door and gestured for me to go in.

  The shell theme continued inside. It really did authenticate the seaside. I could hear and smell the ocean, and I felt the light, refreshing breeze of the wind on my face.

  ‘You can hear it?’

  I looked up from the detailed shell floor which had caught my attention. Standing on a spot which had only moments before been empty was an angel, who even though was dressed to the contrary in pale blue robes, reminded me of an ambassador. Why that should be so, I couldn’t say. All I know is when I looked at Archangel Raguel I could understand why he was chosen to be God’s mediator angel.

  ‘Yes,’ I answered as I noted Archangel Raguel emitted an aura the same colour as his robes.

  ‘Good. I am Archangel Raguel. I am very pleased to meet you, Serena. Please sit.’

  The predominately seaweed green, wooden chair Archangel Raguel gestured me to admirably represented the sea. Oyster pearls speckled the frame and edged the mermaid back rest, while an octopus acted as the lumbar support.

  ‘I’m pleased to meet you, Archangel Raguel,’ I said as I sat, hoping against the odds that the octopus didn’t come to life and bind me if I failed this part of my training. ‘A.M., I mean, Archangel Michael said you will brief me.’

  ‘I will.’ His wise face stared intensely at me.

  Even though I was feeling slightly self conscious under such close scrutiny, I gathered my courage and enquired, ‘Is now the right time?’

  ‘It may well be.’

  As Archangel Raguel and I continued to sit in silence, I speculated God either wished to reinforce my need to be patient, or the timing wasn’t precisely right. I was just thinking I may well get the rest I had asked for after my life review, when Archangel Raguel spoke.

  ‘Archangel Michael will return shortly to assist.’

  ‘Assist in what, Archangel Raguel?’

  ‘God wishes for you to be assigned to this particular case.’ Archangel Raguel tapped a file on the table separating us.

  ‘Why on earth, I mean, why in heaven does God want my help?’

  ‘Your track record as a no-nonsense lawyer was a consideration,’ Archangel Raguel offered as an explanation.

  I wasn’t overly satisfied with this reasoning so I probed, ‘There are other successful lawyers so I repeat - why does God want my help?’

  ‘God did have another reason.’

  ‘What reason?’

  ‘I am not at liberty to say. What I can say is; you will not be alone. You will have the help of all the Archangels. I will assist you with my specialty of counselling and mediating until you have acquired the relevant skills. You will also have the aid of the Angels of Hope. Once Archangel Michael has finally briefed you, you will have all the expertise to bring this case to a successful conclusion.’

  With intrigue in my voice I said, ‘Please tell me everything I need to know, Archangel Raguel, including who are the Angels of Hope?’

  ‘I can tell you, you will need to mediate to protect mankind and you will need to counsel a colleague in crisis.’

  ‘One of my colleagues is involved in my assignment?!’ I was so shocked at this news, I completely missed the implications of interceding on behalf of the human race, and instead I challenged, ‘If a colleague is in crisis, why haven’t they been hurled out of their body to tidy up their own mess?’

  Archangel Raguel ignored my interruption and continued, ‘If we can control the situation as we hope to, and if the Angels of Hope do their job and do not go ‘holier-than-thou’ on us, it will be a clean and simple execution. But if just one angel slips up, you may well need the Divine Light.’

  ‘Forgive me, Archangel Raguel. Archangel Michael told me angels don’t have free will.’

  ‘That is correct.’

  ‘What I don’t understand is, if the Angels of Hope don’t have free will, why is there a question mark over their compliance? Surely, if it is God’s wish that they help me complete His task, they wouldn’t dare to “go ‘holier-than-thou’ on us” and defy God?’

  ‘In the simplest terms the Angels of Hope represent God’s rebellious side,’ Archangel Raguel answered me.

  ‘God has a rebellious side?’

  ‘My dear Child, who do you think created rebellion?’

  As I puzzled Archangel Raguel’s answer, he continued.

  ‘The Angels of Hope are a collective group of angels that bring hope to the human race, to a certain extent like Robin Hood who is depicted in English folklore. They are very good at their job, but they do tend to be sticklers for the rules, which is why I say this assignment could go either way. Ultimately, good must prevail, so even if you do not acquire the Angels of Hope’s compliance, you will triumph, Serena, for you must.’

  ‘If the Angels of Hope are ‘sticklers for the rules,’ why then would they dream of rebelling against God’s authority?’ I asked as I tried not to dwell on the responsibility that was being landed on my shoulders.

  ‘If the rules change, which they must sometimes to restore the Universes equilibrium, the Angels of Hope take indignation to this and refuse to continue unless the old policies are reinstated.’

  I processed what Archangel Raguel was saying as carefully as I managed all the facts in a litigation case. On analysis it seemed to me human law was much simpler than God’s.

  Clearing his throat to gain my full attention, once again Archangel Raguel carried on with my instruction.

  ‘Over the years’ I have modified the counselling course I run to make it idiot proof. Instead of hours and hours of reading mixed with practical work, now there really is only one document you need to memorise. If the truth be told, even if you do not manage to commit it to memory, just make sure you have it to hand so you can read it to your assignee.’

  ‘What does this document say?’ I asked.

  ‘“God, the Creator of all that is, all that has ever been before, and all that will ever be, loves you, (insert name). You are a holy child of God, (insert name), and as such you have power beyond measure. You do not have to remain in this place powerless. You can choose now to leave this unhealthy situation and live the type of life you deserve. A life so full of magic and miracles, it will take your breath away. God promises you if you allow Him, He will heal your world. But even if you turn your back on Him, He will never forsake y
ou, for you are His most precious creation ever, (insert name).”’

  As Archangel Raguel handed me a very ancient looking scroll, he added, ‘Serena, this is very important. You must say this word for word, otherwise it will not help. God created every soul on the foundation of this document. Even if a human mind is not ready to hear this message, the soul will remember.’

  ‘Got it; I just whip out this scroll and as I read the words common sense will prevail. What about the mediation part of my training?’

  ‘There is a scroll for arbitration too,’ Archangel Raguel said as he took a document from one of his shell covered shelves and placed it in my manicured hands as he recited its contents.

  ‘“God, the Creator of all that is, all that has ever been before, and all that will ever be, loves you, (insert name). You are a holy child of God, (insert name), and as such you have God’s ability to be loving and merciful, for our Father knows no bounds to His love and His mercy. God promises you, if you live your life in love and mercy regardless of the actions of others, you will be rewarded on earth and in heaven, (insert name).”’

  He paused giving me time to absorb the words which acted like a key to ones soul, before he asked, ‘Do you have any questions, Serena?’

  ‘How will I know when to use the scrolls? On reflection I think many of my contemporaries could do with counseling,’ I stated with an air of perplexity.

  ‘You will know, Serena.’

  Realising I wasn’t going to secure a more definite answer, I added, ‘Do the scrolls come in handy pocket size?’

  ‘Thank you for reminding me. The scrolls are for you to keep; although we do find it helps tremendously if you leave the subject with a leaflet to peruse. I thought I had them just here,’ Archangel Raguel said as he poked around the shelf he’d taken the mediation scroll from. ‘I must have run out. I will get administration to print some copies for you.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  ‘You are most welcome. Are you clear on everything I have imparted to you, Serena?’

  ‘You said I may need the Divine Light. Will I need training for that too?’

  Archangel Raguel smiled as he answered, ‘No, Divine Light is God’s work. You see every soul is lit with Divine Light. On occasions the light is barely more than a spark. This happens when a soul decides not to recall its origin. But no soul can truly forget our Father, for His loving hand can reach into the darkest despair and reignite the ember to restore true Divine Light. God will know if He needs to intercede and employ Divine Light. So do not forget, you will not be alone. If you need anything, just call.’

  I was going to ask how an honorary angel might call God’s elite team. Was I going to be issued with a pre-programmed-speed-dial mobile? If so, as my main mentor A.M. had to be pre-set as number one.

  However, before I could inquire, Archangel Raguel announced, ‘It is all God’s work, Serena,’ and disappeared quite as suddenly as he’d materialised.

  Archangel Raguel had said A.M. would see me afterwards, so I stayed in the shell room and waited as I marvelled at the sea lion, penguin, and dolphin ice sculptures, which one minute would be as still as the statutes they were and the next would playfully swim around Archangel Raguel’s study as if it were a big expanse of ocean.