The Gabriel Memos

By Betty Gravlin

The Gabriel Memos are Archangel Gabriel's memos to the junior Guardian Angels. Their purpose is to warn them about Satan's tricks and how to block these attempts. Since angels don’t think like humans, the Gabriel Memos are sometimes an amusing commentary on human weaknesses, yet also spiritually enlightening.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Betty Gravlin
• Release date: Aug 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476302270

Betty Gravlin

Betty Gravlin is a cradle Catholic, married since 1985 to Bob. She is the mother of three adult children. She is a graduate of Ave Maria University Institute of Pastoral Theology, Southern Illinois University (MBA) and the University of Arkansas (BA in English). She writes from St. Louis, Missouri.

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Memo 1: Your New Assignments

From: Gabriel, Director, Department of Guardian Angels

To: All guardian angels

Congratulations on your new assignment, Sophia! A new baby was conceived last night, so finally your next assignment can begin. His parents have been yearning and waiting a long time for this day. Isn't this new addition to God's family cute! It's so tempting to kiss him, but humans think angel's kisses cause a birthmark, so it is best to not kiss him.

Archangel Michael has asked me to write some new procedures. I need you to amend your Policy & Procedure manuals. We have to adapt our methods because Satan's employees are always thinking up new ways to be a more effective tempters. You have a well-prepared enemy to deal with. As guardian angels, we have a big assignment protecting and communicating with humans. I'm sure you are capable of this task since you were created with the knowledge you need for your assignments, but I'm sending you these memos as a reminder of the tricks Satan will use so you will be better prepared to defend your charges against them. I also want to share my own secrets of success.

I don't want any extraordinary appearances like one of you did to Moses. You know what I mean. There an angel of the LORD appeared to him in fire flaming out of a bush. As he looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush, though on fire, was not consumed. Also, no more making donkeys talk like you did with Balaam either. Personal appearances must be approved by Archangel Michael and should be done only in disguise. Humans, like Zechariah, seem to get very frightened when angels appear to them. They sometimes act like they will die from the shock. I promise you this assignment will not be as hard as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. It sure was hot in that fiery furnace, wasn't it!

I want you to use only ordinary means to get the message across and protect him. We have a tough job to do.

Despite how tough the job is, let's all do our best.

Psalm 103:20 Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word!

Eternal Love,

Archangel Gabriel

Memo 2: about Guarding Newborns

From: Gabriel, Director, Department of Guardian Angels

To: All guardian angels

This memo is specifically for the guardian angels of newborns. I want you to remember all God taught you about protecting these innocent ones.

If they have not already done so, prompt his extended family to welcome this child as a gift from God. Every birth is a miracle that reveals the mystery of God. Hopefully, you will prompt these parents to have more children than this first child. Siblings are a good way to teach a child to share.

Humans have the mistaken idea that they raise children to maturity. It is actually the opposite. Children force parents to grow up. As they give themselves to their child out of love for them, they naturally outgrow their selfishness. God has a sense of humor when He bonds parents to children in love, then uses that love as a motivation to move them to go beyond their self-centeredness. This also happens in marriage. Humans are not wise about God's methods, so don't let them know the secret. They might not want to become parents or get married if they knew what they are getting in to.

You have done well in prompting their parents to get their children baptized. This gift is a beautiful and magnificent foundation for their salvation. Please inspire his parents to give him a nice Christian name. He will need a saint as a model of how to grow in holiness, so hopefully, they will pick one of these names.

Even more important is prompting the parents and godparents to raise your charge in the faith. I hear that humans have large family parties to celebrate their child's baptism. That is all well and good, but I hope it is not the last times they are grateful for this sacrament.

Memo 3: About Guarding Toddlers from Physical Dangers

From: Gabriel, Director, Department of Guardian Angels

To: All guardian angels

Your charge is now a toddler, so I want to instruct you how to guard them during this time.

You have your work cut out for you. As Psalm 91:9-12 says, Because you have made the LORD your refuge, the Most High your habitation, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. When you see how careless humans are, sometimes you will wonder how protecting them can be possible.

Young children are not as prone to spiritual dangers as they are prone to physical hazards. Indeed, the Lord told the humans that they should have the faith of little children who were naturally attracted to following Him.

Young children are fascinated by the beauty and complexity of nature. They intuitively come to the conclusion that God has created all things. They are born with the knowledge that they are powerless to create such beautiful things. They naturally want to explore nature and delight in studying everything they see. They observe that dropped objects fall down, so they love magnets and stickers that don't do this. They love to bounce balls because they defy gravity. They lose this fascination as they grow up.

Unlike adults who beg for your protection when they are afraid, young children lack sufficient fear of dangerous things. They will keep you on your toes. You can never let down your guard with them. Fortunately, your job is easier because the child's parents and caretakers keep a close eye on them.

The child will scream when he does not get his way. They want to rule the roost. It's one of the times when I am glad I do not have ears. Humans do a pretty good job of tuning out unpleasant noises. For example, when a wife is nagging her husband, he can act like he is listening when he really isn't. But I digress. If only they would always listen to our promptings!

The devil is more successful when he can tempt the parents to disunity and divorce. Your job will be more difficult if you do not protect them from this. Every child benefits from a stable, loving family.

Be sure to review the procedures on high places protection, sharp objects, guns, wheeled vehicles, crossing busy streets, water hazards, and choking hazards.

Memo 4: about Starting School

From: Gabriel, Director, Department of Guardian Angels

To: All guardian angels

Satan would like to tempt your child with thinking that school should be entertaining. He has already been exposed to five years of television and other electronic devices, so it is only natural to reject the discipline of studying. It is no surprise that his favorite subject is recess.

His teacher is having a hard time keeping his attention long enough to teach him anything. On top of that, there are disrespectful students in his class that set a bad example for him. You must protect him from this and from the temptation to be afraid of other students.

Another temptation for your charge is that he wants approval from other students. This desire can be useful when the other students approve good behavior, but can be disastrous when they approve bad behavior. Every giggle when he is acting