72011

I know I've written about this a few times, but this is something that has clearly affected my life.  I'm going to share some more information about Matt Hales and his untimely death.  I say untimely because he was only 27 years old at the time of his death, and don't we all feel that people should live long lives before they die?  Everyone should be old when they die, not young, right?  One of my longest memories of my father's advice (by longest, I remember him telling me this early in life and he's never stopped repeating this statement) is:  "The old must die and the young may."  

When Matt died on 7-20-11, it was 11 years after his severe accident in 2000, 11 days before his 28th birthday and in the year 2011.  But Matt's wife, Stephanie, posted on her blog some more information that is profound.  Matt died in the 11th hour.  7-20-11:  7+2+0+1+1 = 11.  Jesus Christ - count the letters:  11 letters in His name.  Coincidence?  Or Heavenly messages?  I believe it's a message.  See a YouTube video discussing this phenomena at 11:11

Often times we question "why?".  WHY would God let someone who's so good and wonderful die at such a young age while there are rotten, nasty, evil people who live SO long and hurt so many during their lives?  Regarding Matt's death, Matt was in the wrong place at the wrong time.  It wasn't a critical accident caused by God.  The Bible's explanation of why there is suffering and death can help us understand that God is not responsible. For one thing, the Bible alerts us to the fact that "time and unforeseen occurrence" befall all humans (Eccl 9:11).  For example, Jesus brought to light that 18 people were killed when a tower fell on them.  He made it clear that their death was not because of God's displeasure but because they happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time (Luke 13:1-5).  Just like Matt was.  God doesn't cause events such as this, but He has ways of comforting us.  Like all of the coincidences with the number "11" involved in Matt's life and death.  Do you think this is God's way of showing us that Matt was called to Heaven and is perfect once again so that our grief can turn into gladness for Matt?  I believe.  I believe with all my heart.  I hope and pray that Stephanie will find much comfort and be blessed with inner peace.  She deserves it.