Ken

When something like this happens, it must be documented. A supernatural experience of God’s goodness and closeness in my moment of fear and desperation:

My flight to Denver from Louisville, Kentucky, where I had been visiting my dear friend, was delayed. Which meant I probably wouldn’t make my next flight from Denver to San Francisco, which was the last flight of the night. Panic set in. Flying is already stressful enough- when things go wrong, I freak out.

As I was sorting out with the flight attendant whether to get on a different flight or not, I moved from my seat in the back of the plane to an empty seat further up, next to an older African American gentleman. At the point when I decided I might want to switch flights, it was too late and the cabin was prepared for takeoff. I settled into my seat and prepared to trust God with the consequences of my decision to stay on this flight (possibly having to stay the night in Denver).

All was going smoothly until we hit a rough patch of turbulence. Once again, the panic came and this time swallowed me whole. I prayed to God but the fear overcame me- my whole body convulsed with anxiety. I couldn’t stop the sobs that came; it felt like the end.

And then, all of a sudden, I was enveloped in love: the man next to me grasped my hand and steadied my body. He squeezed tight as I held onto him for my dear life. He was my saving angel. This was Jesus.

I looked to him out of my turmoil and saw his steady, reassuring, and concerned look. He was not afraid. I knew this man was sent to me by God. He asked me my name and told me everything was okay.

Finally we came out of the rough patch and found smooth air. The man still held my hand, and though relieved and eternally grateful, I began to feel uncomfortable. But he wanted to make sure I felt safe before he let go.

He introduced himself as Ken, a former United pilot. He had flown hundreds of these planes and reassured me the turbulence we had just gone through was nothing. I couldn’t believe it. God had placed me right next a former pilot to help me just when I needed it, knowing we were going to experience that turbulence, and knowing I would need to be comforted.

Ken knows the Lord and allowed Him to use him on that flight.

Had I not moved forward on the plane or changed flights, I would not have experienced His immense grace. And not only that, I caught my next flight and made it home safely. God is good.