This is one of the
MOST touching emails I have ever received. Please take the time to read
it thru. You will be blessed.
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 FDNY. He
asked what my wife's flight number was, but 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.
Anger at God, at my father, and at myself. I had gone for nearly 2 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 2 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 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 two 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.
"All of you who
labor and are overburdened, come to Me and I will give you rest ... for
I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls."
Jesus of Nazareth