Preserved Topic: Be Ready (Page 1 of 1)

Disclaimer: I don't intend to offend anyone with my beliefs, perceptions or outlook.

Today at about 5pm one of my close friends died in car accident. He was hit by a teenage driver trying to pass on a blind turn.

They were both killed instantly. The FHP said they has been following the teen for about 1min and were about to hit the lights when he passed on a blind turn and crashed into Chris. The teen was doing about 85 mph and Chris was doing 66 mph. The FHP said Chris would not have had one single second to react.

Chris's Father called me. As I was listening to him talk my mind wandered and I began to think about what Chris has preached his whole life. "Be Ready"

I mean He was always talking about being ready. Constantly encouraging anyone he met to always be prepared. We used to even tease him about it. He would meet someone at a Starbucks and you couldn't count to 60 before Chris said "Are you ready?"

"Ready for what?" they would ask. It gave him a window of opportunity to witness about Christ to them. It never failed. He exhorted his listeners to give their hearts to Christ, and be sure that they are never found ashamed and embarrassed. Chris said, "We must be ready. We don't know the future and we don't have a promise of tomorrow."

Man takes the attitude that he has all the time in the world to be ready for that moment. Chris acknowledged that we don't. I felt God say to me "I am coming sooner than you think." and it scared me.

There's a day and an hour appointed for His return and it's sooner than we think. It's coming. There's no doubt about that. The only question is, Will you be ready? He'll come regardless.

I want to encourage you today as Chris would have. Spend time studying and meditating the scriptures about Jesus' coming. Build your hope to the point where you wake up every morning looking expectantly for Him. Live every day watching for His return. Don't let it catch you by surprise.

I have peace about Chris's death, but I know there was a message in his life that can not be ignored. Please don't miss it.

Sorry about your friend. That's tough, when it happens to someone you know. I'd say, you're going through the 'normal' vulnerability thing. Well, nothing wrong with that.

I did actually drown, once. Got recessitated. No GOD came to welcome me in the velvety darkness. I don't really believe in GOD, because of this experience. The darkness was very peaceful, however. I don't remember having any fear (well, breathing the water was kind of terrifying...) afterwards, in the darkness. Just a great sense of relief, and peace.

One thing is certain - you never do know when your number is going to come up. I say, live your life as you dream it should be, for it could be over tommorrow. For me, it was very close.

Sorry about your friend, really.
As WebShaman said, I think you're in a vulnerable period. I don't believe in GOD though I respect the people who ( need to ) believe in him. An atheistic person would sum up your thoughts by "Carpe Diem"

Anyway I think this thread should be moved to Philosophy and other Silliness group

Mathieu "POÏ" HENRI

I'm sorry to hear about your friend - I've lost (or nearly lost) far too many people I care about in car crashes and I'm happy that your beliefs are getting you through this.

___________________
Emps

FAQs: Emperor

Definitely sorry to hear about that, man. I'm glad to hear that you have found solace in your faith--stay strong, brother.

Poi: while I (and I'm sure Kriek as well) appreciate your respect, I thought the parenthetical might have been a tad unnecessary. Nonetheless, I still respect you and others who (need to) believe that there is no God.

(That was meant mostly in jest, and partly to point out the inherent "dig" in that statement. I realize, though, that this may not have been the place for that, but I just wanted to say something. Sorry, Kriek. Poi, hope you don't sweat it too much.)



Cell 270

Suho1004: you're right. Like you I had to say something and you understood my points. As you and Emperor said I think it's a good thing that Kriek's belief helps him to go through such event.

Mathieu "POÏ" HENRI

Its not just about reading the scriptures or seizing the day (or whatever floats your boat) its about trying not to leave bad feelings and misunderstandings floating around and telling your loved ones that you do actually love them. If something sudden does happen to them that it does make an awful lot of difference.

So lets be nice r to each other and 'lets be careful out there'

___________________
Emps

FAQs: Emperor

I've actually shared this story before (I think it was in the dreams/nightmares thread in the Philosophy forum), but the most traumatic dream I have ever had has some relevance here. In my dream I was sitting on a hill beneath a starry sky, and God spoke to me and said, "Tomorrow you will die." I ran frantically from the hill, trying to contact all my friends and family to tell them that I loved them. And the whole time the clock was ticking down, and there were so many people I hadn't told....

I woke up crying like a baby. I was relieved that it was only a dream, of course, but it changed the way I approached human interaction. Now I try to make it a point never to leave someone with an issue unresolved between us, and I tell my wife I love her every day.

In Korea, a common phrase to use when leaving one's house is "I will go and come back" (the Japanese use the same phrase). Most people don't realize it, but saying that requires a tremendous amount of faith in something over which we have no control. I say it too, but I always try to make sure things will be OK even if I don't come back.

Sorry to hear about your loss Kriek, truly.
It's hard enough to live your own life, without the constant reminder that passing is merely a breath away.

Suho1004: I share the Asian sentiment, and every time I leave the house I make sure the last thing I do is to kiss my partner and our unborn child goodby, just in case I don't return, but as I kiss her I say, 'see you in a bit', as though I shall return safely.

Around every corner lies uncertainty.
Our only hope is to face the abyssal plains with dignity and hold our heads high as we declare 'I am alive!'.

Kriek: you've done some silly things that I've just plain stayed away from, this thread is not one in my opinion, although it may be perceived by the majority as such. I appreciate the spirit in which you've posted here. Very loving. Go forward in this same spirit always.

My condolences, I'm glad he was ready.

Jason

Thank you for the support guys. It means allot to me.
Sometimes it takes tragedies like this to make you realize who your friends are.
Despite what we've done in the past.

Again thank you