Foretold: An Epic Spiritual Journey

By Susan Smith Davis

This journey begins during a time of strife for a young mother of five while she experiences foretelling dreams. She finds herself driven to find the meaning of these dreams while changing her own life. She encounters many situations over the course of ensuing years to test her faith while at the same time building inner strength during her own troubled times in a rapidly changing modern world. Finding success and accomplishment often brought hurdles of personal destruction to overcome, but then came the discovery of true miracles rewarding her faith. But does this journey really come from long ago foretold by a chapter held within the Book of Revelation? Her deepest thoughts continually tell her that it is possible, while she sets out to prove it on what becomes an incredible spiritual journey.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jun 20, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483525983

Book preview

CONTENTS

PREFACE

While my true story may be of interest to some New-Agers or perhaps single mothers who have found similar struggles, it is also true that those familiar with the Bible may find some similarities within my story to Revelation 12. I refer mainly to the King James Version, but possibly the words are similar in any version. I openly offer this point for the reader's consideration but would not want any reader to withhold from reading my story believing that I am writing just Bible material, but merely reflecting on struggles and hardships and beautiful times, all the while feeling as if I had been guided and blessed. Sometimes miracles are not only totally obvious while others we tend to question, but if we have faith, we can recognize them. We are given free will on this earth—it is up to each individual as to whether one wants to give credit to Our Father and His Kingdom for any amazing moments in our lives.

I won't divulge all my own interpretations of this Bible chapter from which some lines you may find easily relate to my story. I might first point out the description of the woman in Revelation by comparison in my opinion, that the twelve stars are that of the zodiac and being dressed in the Sun might similarly mean that I am a Sun sign, a Leo, with a Moon sign rising. I will confess to have a great interest in knowing horoscope signs with those I meet and get to know. It only makes sense to me that I would look upon this and all the happenings as I tell them, as harmonious to this painted Bible Story in words 2,000 years ago in Revelation as it seems to fit.

Some of the wording in Revelation seems so frightful to me personally. Thus, another reason I would want to share my story, that we may want to see that there are actual symbolic words and portraits given to us, but perhaps the dramatic effects may be minimized to a more simplified kind of translation. Therefore, if a reader were to agree with my findings, they may also perceive the rest of Revelation in a more human tone, knowing of God's goodness and mercy to be found within the words describing other events within the Book of Revelation. Perhaps theologians may take my evidence in further study, finding foundation to reality of present times. My efforts are simple and not made up; all results of my words are based on faith and prayer alone. Knowing of my comparisons years ago, I feared revealing my story and opinions until now, as I waited for guidance on whether I should share my feelings until the time was right. The consequences became evident while writing other materials, suddenly finding myself driven to tell this story and persevere through completion.

Could my incredible story reflect being in the wilderness, in a place? Oh, certainly the changes and circumstances within meet with the wilderness description, but do 3 and 1/2 years match a time specified in 12:14? Yes, during a certain time period of my quest that I have mentioned but not referenced. As a matter of fact, I have not referenced any Bible quotations along the way of telling my story, leaving my opinions only to this Preface.

One fact not mentioned within the time period written in this story, is that it is true that flooding has since been a threat to our very existence in our home, twice, and to most all my children. Another point is that one of my sons has become a lawyer, a man of truth and law.

Could my story then be finally deciphered as a modern Bible story? This is what has driven me to finally write my story and yet withhold it's contents until now, a dozen years after unfolding the missions of two main dreams. I felt guided to the right time as now. Decide for yourself as I must relay this story in my own way. – June, 2013

CHAPTER ONE

Oh Sure, I would believe in ghosts but never saw any. And sure, I believed in God, Angels and the Bible, and we all go to Heaven when all is said and done when our last breaths take their toll, that is, unless we were evil. Those consequences have always been known as hell to me, but now I was to be married to a Catholic, in which there was a gray area they considered: Purgatory. But why think about such a thing, I knew I didn't have to worry about that. And so it went, this combined lifetime of 40 years of learning religion from different angles Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Congregational, Christian Science all from friends, loved ones, whomever I went to church with. I had the chance to learn from many friends and family about different religions throughout my life. Basically they were all the same. It was simple, easy to follow, and simple prayers came easy, too. The only mystery to me was how it came to be that there were some different beliefs among all of us who walked the earth, as long as there were the basic beliefs of God and we were all good, what else was there to think about? Soon I would learn that there would be much more to learn about, gradually. I had always thought of the word spiritual as a feeling of good religion, but never really understood it's full value.

The Priest was asking me if I would convert. Oh no, please don't ask me to convert, I answered. I can't possibly. I am a Methodist and very happy as I am. He considered my statement, paced around the table looking at me very seriously, at my husband-to-be, and then stopped by the edge of his desk. Then I will marry you two if you, Susan, will promise to raise your children Catholic.

It didn't matter to me, this question was not that difficult. I wondered if my fiancé had thought this could be the losing card. I looked at him and smiled, and then back at the Priest. I can do that, I smiled. My husband-to-be smiled, and the Priest did, too. He sat down at his desk to continue our wedding day plans. There were no contracts to sign for my promise, but I knew I would stick to it, and that my soon-to-be-husband and his family would be pleased. I was nineteen years old then, eager to start a life of devotion to my husband and have a home where we could live settled in one place. I didn't have any real dreams or future goals. I only knew I wanted to be married and keep this love a treasure.

As a young child, of course I didn't really pay much attention to different religions including the religion I was being raised. The labeling of the religion itself was of no matter. Family members never really discussed it with me, outside of prayers before bed. And there was one time that I remember Mom led a couple of monks into our living room in our apartment in Madrid. Two dark haired men carrying Bibles and wearing something of long burlap gowns or potato sacks tied at their waist with a thick rope was a bit of a shock to me. It was the middle of the day and these men were visiting with Mom while Dad was at work! Of course I had never been introduced to them or the idea of what their purpose was, they were only in for a quick visit. Perhaps they had prayed on my mother's behalf and she was going to give them some cash, which was her way. Maybe my Mother asked me to go play, and I left the room, I don't remember. The whole situation was weird and I would ask her afterward. Who were those men?

They are monks, Susie. They work for the Church and help people with prayers.

Why do they dress like that? They didn't smell very nice.

Mom smiled and said, They are very poor and need help from the people. They all wear those same clothes.

Mom and Dad were perfect role models showing me how prayers were to be done, however, the kneeling at the floor made me wonder why the dramatics. I am sure we went to church occasionally, after looking back at childhood Easter photos and later attending with family members back in the States. But it was during our three years in Spain that I may have soaked up all I could from the maids who cared for me as a child of 4 years through 6 years old. One or two of our full-time house staff would be responsible for putting me to bed when my parents were out or busy. Perhaps it was their own belief that I should have my prayers, or perhaps I asked them to pray with me. Perhaps it was because one of them offered me a little book that I would treasure during that time. It was a miniature child-size book, with a red hard cover, and gold foil decoration. There was a picture pasted in the center of the cover of the Virgin Mary holding her baby Jesus amongst the Heavens. Mary was looking up while the baby looked forward. The stars seemed to circle above Mary's head while the moon was below her feet and among the clouds. The title of the book was My Misalin also in gold foil. Or perhaps it was in Spanish as Mi Misalin. This little book held pictures and Bible stories in children's terms. Mainly I enjoyed the photos in the book all appearing so beautiful, they were of biblical paintings.

One night during prayers at bedtime, the maid I liked the most told me that there were little angels on all four corners of my bed in response to something I must've voiced fearing. Upon hearing this I was somewhat relieved, yet surprised. It didn't answer my question or fear, but offered a new dimension of thinking. What could angels do for me, I did not know, really. And why would they spend the night there, on such a piece of furniture that must have been rather uncomfortable, and what would they do all night? Yet, I smiled, laid back ready to sleep and tried to envision four cupid-like angels that could be small enough to sit there on my bedposts. I asked her again another night about these angels as I told her I couldn't see them. She assured me they sat there every night to watch over me while I slept.

It seems one of my dreams around that time might've been a spiritual dream, it was not like any dream I had ever had up to that point or after, for a very long time. Only 5 years old, the dream was so memorable and real to me, that I woke up to go look out our glass doors that led to the balcony hovering several stories high. There ahead was full view of Madrid, with tall buildings in the distance, the Royal Palace, and the park and river below, all intact. In the dream I witnessed buildings falling down all around ours, as if the world were falling apart. The buildings were crashing down so vividly, it was rather horrifying, yet I was not afraid. A male voice was making an announcement, This is happening because no one cares to work or do anything in America. Before awakening, I felt a tremendous urge to verbally vow to work when I grew up, to help save America. I was aware that we were not in America but that I would be again, someday. My voice was still reciting this as I jumped out of bed to go view the city, to see if it was really happening. Pressing my hands and head to the glass patio doors of our balcony, I surveyed our surroundings by the early morning light. Our neighboring building that I had just seen collapse closest to us was still there and standing peacefully. Nothing had changed, anywhere! My mother was awakened, came near and asked me what was wrong. I told her everything and how I felt. However not prophetic it may seem, this was not the only dream that in years to come that would come to me so out of the ordinary with terrible destruction. With hindsight, I can't imagine where a child of young age would even get the idea that buildings could come crashing down.

There were two maids that were with us regularly besides a part-time seamstress and a cook. One was my mother's favorite, whose name was Mercedes. She was good but I felt no real closeness with her. My favorite maid Angelina, a tall stout blonde with curly hair and a kind but plain face, would be the one I looked to for nurturing questions, or sharing my thoughts. I had learned to speak Spanish fluently, so there was no communication problem. It would be later on that I felt her respect of me as a mature child, as she took me across town to the movie theaters to see an adult rated movie. My mother had given her permission, so we were to get there via bus and with the money Mom gave her for tickets. As we entered, the manager called her aside and asked her to step outside. I was left standing there in the theater not knowing what to do. What could be the problem? I was there in a place I had no idea where specifically, nor knew of anyone in the theater, and it was dark inside. I looked around and ventured to find them outside. I saw them standing outside the box office on the wide opening sidewalk and listened to their conversation. In the background I noticed that we must be on the outskirts of the city, with construction on the nearby lots. Not a busy part of the city at all, but we had come far. The manager was adamantly telling her that she was not allowed to bring a minor to this movie. It seemed to me that perhaps they knew each other already. She argued back that she had my mother's permission, that she was in charge, and that I was mature beyond my years and wanted to see this movie. She insisted that this movie's contents would not bother me, and that I also wanted to see the movie, that she assured him it would not affect me in the least. The manager looked over at me, and I nodded my head yes in understanding. He shook his head while pointing back at her, growling, Well, if I hear that this causes me a problem, you will not be allowed back here again.

Inside, the movie was beginning. We quickly gathered our seats and she apologized to me saying he was just a crazy old man.

My eyes were captured by the movie as the story opened. The characters were well-to-do, dressed exquisitely, and were living in a mansion far off the beaten path. The mansion's driveway as long and wide as a one would have on acreage with giant statues and trimmed landscaping. Apparently it the location was within a deep forest. It was of my natural interest to pay attention to architecture and furnishings, beautiful clothing and the accents of the actors. I was drawn to watch and pay attention, it was not only my first full movie, but my first trip to the theatre. The wolves began to make themselves known and were after some people out there along the driveway. Some people were attacked. And so it was some of the gore that came into the movie that the manager had disputed my presence. Maybe it was Angelina's faith in me that I could bear this movie that it somehow never affected me, because later in childhood there were movies that would really torment my fears. That would be at a time when Angelina was not at my side any longer, nor did I have any guidance when choosing monster movies on TV on a Saturday afternoon at home when a few years older.

Angelina furthered my interest in religion by taking me on another outing one day. We would venture across the street to the park-like walkways lining the river in Madrid and beyond. I feared the river, that I should fall in if I were to bend over the railings too far, while little did I know the water within was not deep. The river was far below the sidewalks lined upward of masonry walls, as if the depth of the river could become 20 feet deep. Maybe it did get that deep at times, but I never saw it happen throughout our three years overlooking it's view. There was riverbed exposed that appeared at some parts, the dirty sand showing itself to the shallow river. Beyond the river and in view of our apartment was a church in the distance. She had told me I could see the nuns there. She warned