Sep. 9, 2006 - A Sad Day for My Son
This week, my son's first hero died. My son has loved Steve Erwin since Matt was about 5 years old. When he was six, Matt got his first pet lizard, a Leopard Gecko, which he quickly named Steve. When I was pregnant with my youngest, Matt was 7. He insisted that if the baby was a boy we would name him Steve. Fortunately, we had a girl!
When I told Matt of Mr. Irwin's death, he was surprised. He hasn't watched the show in a year or so- preferring Myth-busters now. But he was genuinely sad. He said, "Mom, he was my first hero. I had kind of outgrown him lately, but I still loved him." His next thoughts were this, "Was he a Christian?" I told him I didn't know, but I had never heard him mention Jesus. He teared up and said, "But every night since I was 6 years old, I have prayed for him to know Jesus."
I hugged my little boy. I had heard most of those prayers. I told him that maybe Steve Irwin had become a Christian. He was a good man and great husband and father. But that we really had no way of knowing, since Steve never spoke publicly about his faith. I had heard him speak of evolution, but beyond that, I just didn't know what he believed.
I tried to take the opportunity to tell Matt that we never know when we will die. We need to know that we know that Jesus is the Lord of our lives. He is the only way to the Father. Steve Irwin was a good man. He was famous, wealthy, well-loved. But none of those things were enough to get him to Heaven. Only the precious blood of Jesus could do that. I also told him that we need be diligent to tell others about the love of Jesus and His forgiveness.
Matt has decided to pray for Mr. Irwin's family, to pray for their peace and comfort and to pray that they will come to know the Father. He has decided to write them a letter telling them the Good News. Matt's tender heart is sad for this loss. I think he has grown up a little through this. I am praying his heart remains tender. I pray he finds heroes of the faith to be examples for him.
I pray my husband and I can fill that role, as well.
John 14: 6
6Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
Comments
Sep. 11, 2006 - Very sad
Posted by Sonya
Lori,
This was a sad day for us as well. We felt like he was a beloved family friend because we enjoy Animal Planet so much. I am sorry that Matt is so sad, but how wonderful that he is taking action to try to assure Steve's family's salvation...what a guy!!
Blessings,
Sonya
Sep. 19, 2006 - A painful realization...
Posted by InkTraveler
Thank you for sharing Matt's story. I think Animal Planet just might be the homeschool flagship station (with National Geographic and the History and Discovery Channels all tied for a close second). We were also deeply saddened by Steve's death.
Your story brought to light a painful realization that all Christian children have to face, often at a young age. Not everyone has a happy ending, and there is no peace in the death of a non-believer. As you said, we have no way of knowing Steve's relationship with the Lord, but there is a chance he was not saved, and that makes his death all the more painful.
Thank you for sharing your story. You offered good words for the rest of us to use when our little ones have the same realization one day.
I look forward to spending some time in your blog site.
Your sister in Christ,
Jenni
