Category: Death

Most are aware of the recent death of Brownwood firefighter Shannon Stone. The 30 year old died after falling from the stands at the Ballpark in Arlington on July 7, 2011. Stone was attempting to catch a ball for his 6 year old son, thrown to him by Josh Hamilton .

This was senseless tragedy, in every sense of the word. It was a horrific accident, and it seems that no real blame can be placed on any individual. The Rangers were careful to ensure the railing in left field exceeded the federal safety codes. Hamilton, in throwing the ball into the stands, did the same thing that others had done thousands of times before. Mr. Stone himself was not acting rashly, he simply slipped and fell. No one is to blame. Literally, no one.

Continue reading “Is It All God’s Plan?” →

AOTS Number 52

Children want to know if their pet is going to heaven? Does God care about animals? Are we different than the animals? These are challenging questions, but fortunately, we have scriptural answers to give.

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AOTS Number 51

Children ask interesting Questions. How about this one? Why does God allow people to die?

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A recent issue of Reader’s Digest contained an article entitled, Hidden Danger on the Road (How to Survive). The article noted that the government estimates at least 1.6 million car accidents a year involving trees, animals, and vehicle debris. These accidents caused over 600 deaths in 2003, and most experts believe this number is increasing.

Note the following incident in the story regarding one motorist: “As the 70-year-old Pakula neared exit 49 on the Long Island Expressway just before noon, a vehicle ahead of him drove over a seven-foot steel rod in the road, kicking it into the air. Within seconds, the rod shot through Pakula’s windshield, smashing into his forehead and killing him almost instantly. Authorities never determined where the rod, the kind used to secure a tractor-trailer’s load, came from.”

This is just one of the many hazards, including sudden illness, crime, etc., which may take the life of the unsuspecting. It brings to mind the following passage from James:

“Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” (2:14-16)

Brethren, may we always be prepared for our death and Christ’s coming, knowing our life is but a vapor.

Bags of jellybeans were laid with reverence around the Santa Monica mortuary. Flower bouquets were placed at the base of the president’s statue in his hometown of Dixon, Ill. Flags were hung at half-staff all across Washington. They will do so for the next 30 days, in silent tribute to the death of Ronald Reagan.

All this week, the nation will mourn his loss. Today, Mr. Reagan lies in repose at the Reagan Library. Tomorrow evening, the formal funeral procession will take the president to the Capitol, where he will lie in state. On Friday, the national day of mourning, Mr. Reagan will be honored at a state funeral at the National Cathedral after which he will be laid to final rest back in his beloved California.

The Washington Times
Editorial, June 8, 2004

Analysis:

To political opponents and supporters alike, President Reagan is considered an important figure in the history of our nation.

Continue reading “A Memorial of the Heart” →