| Subject: |
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TRUE AND AWESOME STORY! |
| Name: |
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Hope |
| Date Posted: |
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May 5, 05 - 4:31 PM |
| Message: |
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TRUE AND AWESOME STORY!
A man from Norfolk, VA called a local radio station to share this on Sept
11th, 2003. His Name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:
"A few weeks before Sept. 11th, my wife and I found out we were going to
have our first child. She planned a trip out to California to visit her
sister. On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my
wife a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said 'amen,' we both
heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown out a tire. I
replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight.
Both very upset, we drove home.
I received a call from my father who was retired NYFD. He asked what my
wife's flight number was, but I explained that we missed the flight. My
father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the
southern tower. I was too shocked to speak. My father also had more news
for me; he was going to help. 'This is not something I can just sit by
for; I have to do something.' I was concerned for his safety, of
course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ. After a
brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off of the
phone, he said, 'take good care of my grandchild.' Those were the last
words I ever heard my father say; he died while helping in the rescue
effort.
My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quickly
became anger. I was angry at God, at my father, and at myself. I had gone
for nearly two years blaming God for taking my father away. My son would
never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I
never got to say goodbye.
Then something happened. About two months ago, I was sitting at home with
my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the door. I looked at my
wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to
a couple with a small child. The man looked at me and asked if my
father's name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my
hand and said, 'I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an
honor to meet his son.'
He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and
she had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had
been caught under debris. He then explained that my father had been the
one to find his wife and free her. My eyes welled up with tears as I
thought of my father giving his life for people like this. He then said,
'there is something else you need to know.' His wife then told me that as
my father worked to free her, she talked to him and lead him to Christ.
I began sobbing at the news. Now I know that when I get to heaven, my
father will be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family
would be able to thank him themselves.
When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew in honor of
the man who gave his life so mother and baby could live."
This story should help us to realize two things:
First - that though it has been Four years since the attacks, we should
never let it become a mere tragic memory. And second - but most important
- God is always in control. We may not see the reason behind things, and
we may never know this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control.
Please take time to share this amazing story with those you love. You may
never know the impact it may have on someone. God doesn't call the
qualified, He qualifies the called. |
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