Shelter

The clouds rolled in like a blanket being thrown on a bed, sudden and heavy. Amanda pulled into the parking lot and looked for her umbrella. She was startled by a clap of thunder and decided to make a run for it. The rain started as the car door slammed and pummeled her for the few seconds that it took her to reach the building's front entrance. She ran inside and quickly pulled the door shut, failing to keep the entryway dry. Amanda stood at the glass door, watching the storm in awe. The rain came down in sheets, dark and straight, exploding off the asphalt in every direction.
The music coming from the sanctuary was muffled, competing with the rhythm of the rain and the clap of thunder. Remembering why she had come, Amanda pulled herself away from the rain's trance and walked into the near empty room where the music was coming from. Although it was louder in there, the sounds of worship were soothing in contrast to the intensity and violence of the tempest outside.
One middle aged man sitting in a pew alone, turned to look at Amanda as she approached the alter. The other half dozen or so congregants continued praying. Their muffled whispers of intercession being carried as if on a wave, ebbing and flowing throughout the room. She felt the presence of those prayers. They touched her, seeping into her damp skin and filling her with warmth. The prayers, although liberating, were also heavy and soon they weighed her down. She knelt at the alter, draped like a blanket in the manifested words of saints and a Saviour. Her face rested in her hands and her tears washed down her face, plopping without shame on her folded knees. The prayers and music lulled her like a child being rocked to sleep. The still, soft words flowed over her, "....shall abide in the shadow of The Almighty..." She looked around, sure that someone had whispered in her ear. No one was there, however she felt a tangible presence all around. She closed her eyes continuing in silence and peace. When something brushed her shoulder she instinctively reached up. She felt nothing with her hand yet her shoulder was warmer and heavier than before as if an arm were resting there reassuringly. She dared to look over and saw a shimmer. A translucent feathered wing wrapped around her right side. Stunned she closed her eyes and looked again. She no longer saw it, but the weight and presence was still tangible. Amanda's tense body released and she sank into the comfort and strength of the Angel who held her in his arms and shielded her with his wings.