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Anna PresslyOctober 2008“What am I supposed to think? I just don’t understand how God could love Missy and let her go through that horror. She was innocent. She didn’t do anything to deserve that!” (The Shack, page 165) I knew of Anne Pressly before I met her. Heck, everyone knew of Anne. She’d only been on the air in Little Rock for a few years but she owned this town just like she owned every room into which she walked. It didn’t hurt that she was 6 feet tall and stunningly beautiful. But it wasn’t her size that made her larger than life it was her light and her zest for life. Everyone could see it. I mean, that’s why she could walk onto a movie set to do a story and get offered a role in that movie before she left! Anne was special that way. She had a sparkle about her. I’ve heard from other anchors and reporters in this market that they were a bit jealous of Anne. Not so much jealous of her talent or beauty but her spirit. “I wish I could be more like her,” I’ve heard them say. I wish I were more like her, too. Sure, we are all unique but it seemed to me that Anne lived her “uniqueness” out loud. She held nothing back. She was wide open. She was the personification of the abundant life that Jesus promised. (Jn. 10:10) Why then did someone so young, so talented, so beautiful, and so full of life have to be taken out the way that she did? By now many of you have heard of the horrific way in which Anne was attacked in her own home. Her injuries were so severe doctors said it would be years before she would make a full recovery. Where was God in those early morning hours? Why didn’t he intervene? Couldn’t he have stopped the attack? Why did he allow this to happen to someone with so much to offer? You know it’s funny; those same questions are the central theme in what had become Anne’s favorite book, The Shack. Earlier this year Anne received a copy of the book from the author who spoke at the first ever meeting of the Little Rock Media Fellowship. We started the LRMF in January as an evangelical outreach to all the on-air media personalities in town. Anne attended nearly every one of the meetings including the first one where she met Paul Young. In his book Young tells the tale of Mack who lost his daughter, Missy, in a particularly brutal manner. Mack had a hard time dealing with the loss and how a loving God could have allowed it to happen. “He doesn’t stop a lot of things that cause Him pain,” Mack is told. “Your world is severely broken. You demanded your independence, and now you are angry with the one who loved you enough to give it to you…Right now your world is lost in darkness and chaos, and horrible things happen to those he is especially fond of.” Later in the book Jesus himself tells Mack, “I don’t think you want to know all the details. I’m sure they won’t help you. But I can tell you there was not a moment that we were not with her. She knew my peace, and you would have been proud of her. She was so brave!” (pg. 175) I can’t believe it was a coincidence this book came into her life when it did. The wisest man on earth once wrote, “The day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.” (Eccl. 7:1) I’m not sure what that means other than Anne is now seeing God face to beautiful face and her ordeal is not even a distant memory. But maybe it also means that while our birth is out of our control the way we live our life is not. Our death will reveal that legacy. Anne’s legacy is more than just images on film and videotape. Those things will fade. But the impact she made in the lives of others through her life and her death will continue throughout eternity. Comments about “Anne”
By your words you must have loved her very much. I am sorry for your loss...our loss. Matt, Thank you for sharing your thoughts about Anne. I received an email that you wrote about Anne and “The Shack”. I have know idea why her untimely death has impacted my life other than the fact I do understand the hurt and pain the family and friends are going through. My life has not been an easy one. I have had several SATAN attacks and GOD has brought me through. The one though that might help Anne’s family is one particular event that happened on Oct. 30, 1995 at @ 11:35 p.m. I was closing at where I worked at the time and we were robbed. The robber tied me up, maced me, duct tapped my hands to my face, threw me into the floor (that severely bruised my ribs that I still have trouble with today and tore all cartilage loose from my sternum that too bothers me to this day), pistol whipped me and drugged me off a little ways. Although my injuries were not as severe as Anne’s I know that GOD let me live to take care of my girls, but maybe to help others to see GOD through tragedy. GOD has given me strength and scriptures to carry me. He has been my only source of strength. 1 COR. 10:13, Jerm. 29:11, Phil 4:13 and Romans 8:28. These have been my source of strength and has defined who I am. For whatever this is worth, GOD ask me to share this so that maybe it could help to see GOD has been right there this whole time. Thank you for your time. Annita Dear Matt, Thank you for all you do in the name of Jesus. Your love really does Thank you Matt for this email that is being passed around. I am a Home Health nurse in Camden and all of us here along with friends and family have grieved in the loss of Anne. Before I open up this email I thought of how I wanted to see the email but did not want to at the same time. She was such a beautiful young lady and to be a christian----well sometimes in today's society I am prone to think no one like that exists anymore. I feel so much better having read your words. Thanks for all the work you are doing. What a tribute to a nice lady. You said all the right things. Matt: I just read the letter you wrote about Anne Pressly. I had seen it earlier, but couldn't read it yet. Eventho I didn't know Anne personally, I felt I knew her, as I know many people have said of Anne. She was in my home every morning as I began my day and I miss her too. And I've had those questions too! But I know that our loving God was with her and took her home with him! It's wonderful what all you do and how you minister to so many! Keep it up!!! This world needs so many more people like you and Anne who will stand up for your faith! God bless you ! Donna Matt, I just finished reading "The Shack" and it has been amazing how many times I've reflected back on that book with different things that have come up lately. I cried as I read your letter about Anne Presley. The insight in that book was so incredibly powerful and I am glad Anne was able to read that book before her death. I'm sure it was on her mind in those wee hours of the morning. Thank you so much for the letter you wrote; it has helped me personnally deal with Anne's death, as just someone who watched her every morning on Channel 7. Bonnie Someone sent me an e-mail about Anne and its correlation with The Shack. I recently purchased this book because a friend suggested I do so. I am going through tough times; however, nothing so violent as what happened to Missy or our precious Anne...and this book has been at my side constantly... I never read books twice, so this will be the first that I can read over and over. Wow!!! Matt, My sister sent you an e-mail about our children who both died earlier this year within a month of each other---- my daughter, after a long battle with cancer, and her son in a car accident a month later. I had read The Shack shortly before my Jayme passed and it has helped me in the grieving process. Another book I highly recommend is 90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper. My sister and I got to hear him speak a couple of months ago, and oh what a blessing. There are so many things in this world we will probably never understand, but my faith tells me this is ok--- someday we will. I will be praying for all the friends and family of Anne Pressley. I know Heaven is even brighter with Jayme, Jason, and Anne there. God bless you----- Carole Hi Matt, A friend recently e-mailed to me your devotion about Anne Pressly and I was very moved by your words of encouragement and also comfort. This was a senseless tragedy, which led me, too, to have the very same questions that were posed in your devotion, but it also reminded me that God can turn tragedy into inspiration and work His purpose through it. In His Grace, Matt, Linda I read the email you wrote about Ann I think it was wonderful. My prayers are certainly with her family Debra Matt, What you call "coincidence" in your article was not a coincidence but just another revelation of God's plan. If we just listen with our hearts, we will discover numerous "coincidences" in our lives. God is so good! Thanks for sharing. . . Shirley Matt, Matt - Dear Matt: I realize you do not know me, but want to commend you on a beautiful tribute to Anne, one filled with both your love and grief. Having lost my oldest son along with one of my best friends in a tragic private aircraft accident when Barry Jr. was twenty five years old, I am able to understandingly grieve along with those of you who knew and loved Anne. I was told at the time by my pastor at Fellowship Bible Church, Robert Lewis, "from tragedy will come triumph" and while hard to comprehend at that time, I will say that has proved to be the case. I hope we will see good come from Anne's death as well. God indeed uses tragedy for His own glory I am pleased to learn a little about you personally and encouraged by your obvious faith. Lynda, my wife, and I met Paul Young at the National Prayer Breakfast in D.C. last year. We were touched not only by his book, but also by his personal story which I imagine he shared with you. Thank you for sharing your heart. Barry Mr. Mosler...I am so glad that someone sent this beautiful piece to me, and I have certainly sent it on. I have to admit that I teared up a bit reading it, especially when you got to the part about "The Shack". I am glad you stand for what is right. Matt, Also, my mother heard you sing a song about having sons, years ago in Stuttgart and I was wondering if you might still remember the title. If so could you send me the title and if not I understand for it was years ago. God Bless You and YOur Family, I also wanted to let you know that I was very moved by the piece you wrote about Anne. I'm definitely inspired to go out tomorrow and buy the book you talked about. Someone forwarded your article about Anne to me, GREAT JOB.. I never had the pleasure of meeting her, but just from watching the news reports I think she must have been a really wonderful person and is the blessed one to have already met Jesus face to face. Matt, just read what you wrote about Ann. I was so blessed! Brother In Christ P. S. Would you please put me on your e-mail list. Mr. Mosler , I thank you for the words that were displayed here. To many people mis understand GOD'S great love thanks again for sharing and being used by God I have never met you but I know whom you serve and Anne also served the same . Matt, I have been so very troubled over the horrific, and very brutal way that that Anne was killed. I read the SHACK recently. GOD uses so many things to prepare us for things to come. Thank you for your kind and uplifting words. I can only imagine the comfort that they have brought to her parents. I especially PRAY for them daily. I PRAY for Anne's mom's memory of finding her beautiful daughter in the way that she did, to fade with time, and that she will only remember the happy and beautiful girl that GOD blessed her with for only a short, but blessed time. Thanks again, and GOD BLESS YOU! I read your piece regarding Anne Pressley and her life. What a wonderful tribute. For some reason I was deeply moved by her story. I had never met her, only saw her on TV, but the fact that she was so young (the same age as my son) and her life was so promising. Her death was so brutal. Thanks for putting the whole incident in perspective and reminding us that God's ways are not always our ways. I pray that this story will reach someone who desperately needs the Lord in their life. Thanks, Matt - We met when your wonderful news crew broadcast from our restaurant in Russellville about 1 1/2 years ago. A friend forwarded a piece you wrote about Anne Pressly. I never had the pleasure of meeting Anne, but I did have the pleasure of being one of her occasional viewers. As a parent, I often marveled at what a firm foundation Anne must have been given to be so full of confidence, life, and joy at such a young age. Her death has been painful to my husband and me - which has caught both of us quite off guard. Why should the death of someone we didn't know affect us like it has? I didn't know Anne was a Christian, but am so thankful that her parents took the time to introduce her to our Father. Thank you Matt. That was beautiful. I did not know Anne but this horrific Tamara A friend forwarded me the email about Anne Pressly and the "The Shack". It touched me profoundly. You see I lost my youngest son in an automobile accident almost 6 months ago. My sister lost her youngest daughter to cancer one month before that. In two months time we had lost our children at such a young age. A friend told my sister about "The Shack" and we both read it, and it did help us both. We have since recommended that book to many people. I share the grief with all who are mourning Anne Pressly's death and my heart aches for her family. Ann Hi, Matt: Your tribute to Anne is making the e-mail circuit. It was very touching and heartfelt, and I appreciated receiving it. What a senseless tragedy that we won't know the reason for until we get to Heaven. Our Conway friends-in-common, Wyatt and Zachary, really enjoyed the recent Colorado trip. They brought show-and-tell pictures to dinner Thursday evening. A lot of good memories were made on that adventure. Take care and keep doing good work. Dear Matt: Hey Matt, I hope that you and your family are doing well! Nicole and I are loving life and serving the Lord here in Oxford, MS but we sure do miss you all and all of our family and friends back at Park Hill and the NLR community. We were so shocked to hear the news of Anne Pressley’s passing. We loved watching her when we lived there in the LR area as well as so many others like yourself. I was sent a copy of an email of some thoughts you wrote about Anne Pressley. It was great to hear that you have started a ministry LR Media Fellowship to reach out to all those in your field. It’s great to know that there are such dedicated Christians in your field like yourself who shine the light of Christ to a wide audience. Thank you for your ministry and know that we are praying for you. Tell your family hello for me and Nicole. We love you dearly! D. Aaron WOW … great comments and insight. I, too, still wonder why so many bad things happen to good people. The only difference is that, as a Christian, I must believe and have faith that God is always there and he is protecting. I will be getting a copy of "The Shack" as it sounds to be insightful into a man's deep faith. I didn't know Anne, but from your comments and those of others in your media world, she was a BIG SPIRIT in her short life, influenced many, and she is now being rewarded in Heaven. I pray her family stays strong with that belief. Best of luck to you on your Little Rock Media Fellowship. I, too, am part of an Outreach program with Rock Creek Church, where I have an opportunity to do Bible Studies at Lunch. This has made a tremendous difference in my life, and continues to strengthen my walk with God. So, continue reaching out … you won't always know the difference you make in others lives, but, believe me, you do. Beverly Matt Anne was a personality that you loved to watch and to see her shine, you always felt her love of people and the work she did. Thank you for writing this and your thoughts. Sincerely, I didn't know her personally but when we see her everyday on TV it seems as you do. I am so glad in your strong ministry for Christ. I go to a small church in Hazen, Ar called Family Christian Fellowship. My boyfriend plays the guitar with the praise and worship team there. Keep looking up....! I feel that Anne would want that also. Mr. Mosler, I had someone send me an email containing the comments you made about Anne Presley. I did not know her, nor do I know you, but I hurt for your media family and for her immediate family. I too have read The Shack and was profoundly moved by the story. I think it should be a must read for anyone and everyone. Thank you for your kind words about her. Maybe if more folks would read The Shack, it may be easier for them to understand. God Bless, Darren Matt, Matt- Matt, what a wonderful tribute to such a lovely girl. God bless you for this. This ministry you started must be a blessing to all who attend. In His Love dear matt: i never had the previledge of meeting anne however i prayed for her recovery!!!! sometimes God just takes the best. that is the only thing i can figure out. i have heard alot of great things about anne through the media and i am sure she was as beautiful on the inside as the outside. my prayers go out to her parents and friends You may remember me. You came to my classroom at CAC as a birthday gift for Michael Sitler. Hi Matt, You do not know me. I was forwarded your message by a new friend after she shared with me the jest of your e-mail - where was God when this pain was happening to Anne?. I did not know Anne - she was in my home each morning ( and my parents) - a member of the family. We were affected by her death and pray for the attacker to be caught. I have personally known different media people - they are just like anyone else - when people will let them be themselves - but I can see that Anne had a beauty/gift even larger than I already knew. How special I know she is to God. Thank you for sharing about the God's presence with Anne in her last hours in her home. I am going to buy the book she read that God helped prepare her - nothing happens by accident - yet Anne's beautiful spirit is still missed. I am sorry to have written so much. I must go to bed - church will come early. I will pray for your ministry. May God bless abundantly for sharing his word, his comfort/peace and his everlasting love for each of us. How few people really remember that God would have had his only begotten Son die on the Cross if for them alone. He is more than enough, Thanks Matt for sharing this with us. Anne was a beautiful person and she captured evryone’s attention even Matt, I just read your piece about Anne Pressly. I am really touched that one who knew her spoke up and validated everything that has been said about her. It's so comforting to know that a public figure knew how to "walk the walk and talk the talk" and did so out loud. Dear Matt, Matt, Thank you for the beautiful tribute to Anne Presley. Don and I have been in Israel, returning last night. Were shocked to hear of her death. Matt, I was deeply touched by the email I received that was forwarded to me from my sister. The email of what you had written about the dear Anne Pressley. I absolutely cannot believe what has happened. I was thankful to hear the other night when I saw the special on Channel 7 News @ 5, where they showed her funeral and had showed the minister speaking of Anne, that she was saved and is now in the arms of God!! Words cannot express my deepest sympathy for Anne's family and the Channel 7 News family. Some things we will never understand and I have even asked myself, God why? God, why would you let this happen? Why? Why? Why? I know God was with her and she is with him now in heaven and I am so thankful for that. God has a reason for everything even though we don't understand it. I attend Holland Chapel Baptist Church in Benton where we have a Hereafter House every year. I decided to help out this year in this outreach to those who are lost. Over 100 were saved in only a week and one lady in particular was convicted because of Anne's story. Anne's story lead the lady to know Christ! That is just so amazing to me! If it helped that one lady just imagine how many more it may have brought to Christ! I truly believe that it did just that. God sacrificed his son so that we could be saved! May God bless you, her family and friends. You all are in my prayers everyday. God Bless, Lindsay Thanks Matt for the wonderful words you've written about Anne. I only knew her through the TV, but she must have been a very special person. God needed another beautiful person to be with Him. We've all lost loved ones to death and we've wonderef where God was when bad things happened, but we also should realize that He is always near. "We'll understand it better in the sweet by and by''- Such a message in that song. This email was like a light in darkness to me and lifted my spirits from the grief I felt for a lady I didnt even know personally. Thank you for writing this, I'm sure that it has touched and comforted many sad hearts. Matt, I received an email with an attachment of the 'devotion' that you wrote in honouring Anne. What a beautiful picture of the life and essence of a beautiful face most of us only saw. I have thought often within the last week - as I prayed for her recovery - if she had a personal relationship with our Lord. I am so happy to hear of her faith in Christ and that indeed she is with the Lord. I, too, do not believe in coincidences (regarding 'The Shack', the theme of the book and it becoming one of Anne's favorites). Our steps are ordered by the Lord. My life as a missionary for 25 plus years and the circumstances of where I am today - is a testimony to that fact. I pray that her family and friends might find comfort in these days ahead and that they might draw nigh unto God who truly understands their anguish. Thank you for your words Matt.... Sylvia Matt, Dear Matt, Merry what a lovely thing you wrote.she indeed was a beautiful person guess god needed her in his kingdom.dorthi the coke lady Matt, I received an email this morning (probably from a copy and paste) of a story you told concerning your feelings about Anne and a book from LRMF..nevertheless I wanted to say thank you for such a beautiful story. I can not imagine what the Channel 7 family and Anne’s family are going through during this time but the few minutes I took this morning to read that excerpt definitely made me feel good. I don’t know why but it did. Thank you for that ministry. I hope you don’t mind but I forwarded that to a few close friends. Our prayers are with Anne, her family, the Channel 7 family, and all that had the chance to meet her. Thanks again, Matt! Stephen Matt, uhm...i asked those same questions just last night...i didnt have to wait long to get my answers...i got this email a few minutes ago...thanks for that...it helps me...im a christian and i couldnt understand!...thanks for reminding me how wonderful our LORD is! shanon Matt, what a beautiful memoir to Anne Presley.It made me stop and remember "that everything that happens God has a reason" and that is something we all seem to forget in today's turbulent world.I didn't know Anne personally but did know her from t.v. and she was a beautiful person.Thank you for your article,I needed it my own personal life right now, and I am sure many people did, maybe part of the REASON. Patty Dear Matt, Thank you for this wonderful tribute. I am just a watcher of channel 7 in the mornings down in Hope. I have been truly horrified at the details of Anne's death. But I will have to say, I think Anne, and the Lord both, would be pleased at the way her family and channel 7 have responded. Anne's faith and the faith of those that worked with her have been quite evident and they have not been hesitant to speak freely about it. I think of the verse that tells us that "God uses all things to work together for good to those that love Him and are called according to His purpose." I am seeing much good! I am a 41 year old believer (since i was 8). In these "scary" times, I am so glad when I get to see God at work - I recognize His hand and I praise Him for it! Thanks Again, Matt, I did not know Anne but I have shed tears over her for her family and friends. I can only imagine how painful this tragedy has been for all of you who did know and love her. How beautiful & comforting your words. Thank you for sharing your feelings & memories of Anne. Comfort in Christ, Terri Matt, Last Sunday evening in our Disciple I class, we talked about Moses' punishment for his disobedience. After hearing all the ideas, I realized that Moses was not punished. He was rewarded by God for all his work. God took him before he grew feeble and sightless, and he did not have to deal with the recalcitrant Israelites any longer. Death is a reward for the faithful, not a punishment. Just as Moses' life has influenced people to this very day, perhaps Anne Pressley will too. God bless you and your wife and all that you do to represent Christ in the media. Becky Matt, I just read your beautiful tribute to Anne Pressly and the use by the Lord of The Shack in her life and the lives of others. I am a retired minister living in Texas so I was especially glad to hear what you are doing to minister among the media. My son is pastor of Second Baptist Church in Little Rock. I hope you guys cross paths some time. I have a strong feeling you would be kindred spirits.His name is Matt Cook. Gary Matt, I read your lovely tribute to Anne and was heartened by it. I've been tempted to write a note to her parents but I know they've been inundated and I hated to add to the noise. For now, I'm keeping her family and friends in my prayers. Thank you again for writing such a touching testimonial to her life. Matt, what a beautiful tribute to Anne! A friend of mine forwarded it Matt, you are much like Anne, in my book. I have watched you on TV in various areas for several years now, and you have a winning smile and way about you that seems contagious. It is good to know that you are involved in Christian ministry outside of TV. Keep up the good work and keep on keeping on.
Erma Matt: You don't know me. But, I want you to know, I appreciate your note about Anne Pressly, and The Shack. I'm thankful to know it was her favorite book. She was a beautiful light to all of us. I received an email from a friend re: your statement about Anne Pressly. You discussed your group, Little Rock Media Fellowship, as well as the book entitled, The Shack. I cannot express how much your message helped me, personally. I never met Anne; however, I have been haunted by this whole matter since it began last week. I believe I have a very strong, intimate relationship with God. However, following her attack I found myself full of doubt, fear, and endless questions. I read your message yesterday and last night was the first full night of sleep I received since this began. Your message gave me peace and helped to revitalize my faith. I believe Jesus spoke to me through you. Thank you, Carly Matt, I read the beautiful words you wrote about Anne. I just wanted you to know that you touched me with your tribute. Anne was a beautiful woman with a heart of compassion for all that she saw. It is such a comfort to know that she knew our Lord & Savior and to know that she is celebrating in Heaven now. My son left this world almost 5 years ago due to a tragic shooting accident. I understand a little of how Anne's mother must feel. Losing a child is the most horrible thing a parent ever has to face. My prayers go out to them and the rest of her family and friends. I was emailed your commentary on Anne Pressley, and I must say, Matt, Your e-mail brings tears to my eyes. Your e-mail, I believe, is going to be used to by God to bring 100s of people to Christ. I did not know that The Shack was Anne's favorite book. It has been my favorite over the past 6 months, and has dramatically changed my life from a lifeless, performanced based pursuit of Him into a beautiful personal relationship with a very real and living Jesus. I am so glad you wrote what you did about Anne, and I will forward it to many people in prayers that God will use it to transform our city and even our state. Anne has to be so encouraged that her death is going to bring so many people to His precious, gracious feet He wants to carry our burdens for us and wants to give us HIM which produces the abundant life through us! God bless you and your ministry. Julie I just read your column on Anne. It was lovely and touching and your love and respect for her came through. Yes it is the life you lead that is your legacy not your birth and from what has been said, she was and still is truly blessed. I pray for her co-workers and her family, you all are in my prayers. God bless. Debra Matt- I read what you wrote about Anne and it was very beautiful. I loved the book The Shack. It was an eye opening and enlightening book to read. It changed my perspective about many things. The words you wrote were very beautiful when you spoke of her and her life. It was a tragic crisis. Her family and friends are in my prayers. Dear Mr. Mosler, A daily viewer, Ellen I just read your story about Anne. I also read the book, "The Shack" a couple of weeks ago. When I heard of Anne's death, I though about Mack and Missy. The first words from my mouth, "I hope they find the one responsible and put him away." There I went. That "judging" thing. "The Shack" has changed my life. I have been a Sunday School teacher for 26 years, thought I had all the answers, but I will never look at God the same again. Thanks for sharing your story and the Love of God with others! Wow Matt, that was beautiful!! Thank you so much for your words of comfort. Anne was such a beautiful person and so loved. We'll all miss her but her short time here on earth was determined before she was born. Her job was finished here. How many people did she influence? Many, many. Just read the email concerning Ms. Pressly and it is such a sad thing for something like this to happen to anyone. I understand from the news articles and this tid bit from the email sent to me, that she was such an inspiration to all who met her. I am from LR, altho I have made my home in Ft. Smith for the past 37 years. I was just curious to learn more about your ministry. Thanks for you time, Martha Matt, your piece on Anne was forwarded to me by a friend. It was beautiful. I didn't have the good fortune to have met Anne, but I did see her on TV and she did have a sparkle. I suppose God needed that light in heaven so she could be a bright, shinning angel. My sympathy goes to her parents who lost their darling girl. I can only imagine the pain that fills their heart. A death is bad enough in itself, but the way she was killed was just too awful to imagine-- especially if it's your child. My heart aches for her family and also for the horror that must have been with Anne while this horrendous person was killing her. Wow! Thank you for sharing that. So many things have happened this week...Anne's horrible death, shooting deaths at UCA, so much violence. It is so easy to get trapped in the saddness and despair. Then I read something about her that gives me a glimpse into her...real life...her off the air life. She was an exceptional person...Add to that the recent airing of Job's courageous battle for life and you begin to see God's promises again. He never promised an easy life or an easy death...He promised us eternal life. Anne and Job make me want to be a better person...a stronger christian. Thanks again! A friend sent your article to me because I am a 23 month survivor of stage IV breast cancer. She knows I can't shut my mouth about Jesus, and she knew I would be filled with joy by your remarks about Anne Pressly. AMEN Brother Matt ~ We've discovered The Core of our faith in what Jesus did on the cross for us!!! So many don't arrive there. I was ready to go home if the Father was ready for me, but I also fought with everything in me in case He still wanted me out proclaiming the joy of serving my risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Thank you for writing such a beautiful testimony about the real truth about being a Christian! It's not about me, it's about HIM! Linda Dear Matt, Sincerely, What a beautiful tribute. I ordinarily would not make any kind or response to something like this but tonight I make will make an exception. Like everyone else in Arkansas I was deeply upset by Miss Pressley's death. May God bless her family and get them through this terrible time. My wife and I watched as you went through what must have been some really trying times for you and your family not so many years ago. We congratulate you on your courage and perservearance. We are sorry that you lost your friend. Again, a really beautiful tribute. Ben Matt, We can be comforted knowing that she is with our Heavenly Father but I know that the hole in your hearts will take a long time to heal! Angela Matt, this was a very sad thing---but look what they done to Jesus, he was blameless--he had never done anything wrong---look what an awful death he was put through--he lite up a room he was the LIGHT ---i have used this for comfort in many death's in my family my mother suffered somthing awful in her last day's and i was her care giver. God bless anna's family Matt, I only know you through your work as a tv personality and enjoy your work everyday. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful tribute to your friend and colleague. Through her friends and the outpouring of care and concern for the loss to her family and those who knew her best, the picture of an extraordinary human being takes shape for those of us who only knew the pretty face and super personality. My deepest sympathy for the loss of your friend. Peggy I just received your letter about Ann's death and the book "The Snack"... Your words have brought tears to my eyes... I also struggle with why these things happen... I feel like the answer is much clearer now... Thanks so very much for your beautiful use of words, Missy White ps- I had purchased the book a few weeks ago........... I will now read it for sure. Matt, Those were beautiful words you spoke about Anne. God Bless You. Matt, thank you for the beautiful eulogy that you wrote for Anne Pressly. I know she was a wonderful young lady from all the inspiring things that have been said about her. Your words touched my heart because I too have said the same things about life as you quoted from The Shack. I read the book as soon as it came out...God guided me to it. It gave me such a different understanding of the Trinity and God's place in our twisted world. My 19 year old son, William, a 2nd semester President's Scholarhip student at UALR, was killed in a head-on wreck with two 18 wheelers on his way home early one Saturday morning on I-35 near Gurdon almost seven years ago. My husband and mother also passed away around the same time. So I have asked those questions many times. I rest in my belief that God was waiting there on that cold highway before William ever came over the crest of that hill, and that He took him home before the crash ever smashed his car to pieces. His body was left, but his soul is home with our Jesus. Thank you for reminding me again that God is in control, and that we will all be together again one of these days. I will look forward to meeting Anne. I'll be the one smiling as big as sunshine because I'll be with my Savior; William; my husband, Charlie; and all the other loved ones that have gone home. Blessings to you, my dear. Susan Matt, I am a minister in Fort Smith and when someone saw that I mentioned the Shack in something I wrote she sent me what you had written about Anne Pressley. I can't think that it was a coincident that she read the book recently. When I first heard of her brutal attack I thought of the Shack and the presence and love of God being with her the whole time. Of course, I knew that before I read the book, but I never envisioned it so vividly in these circumstances. It brings some peace in the midst of horror. Thanks for writing what you did. Bobby I am the Pastor at downtown Little Rock's First Methodist Church. Thank you Matt for your tribute about Anne. Many here at my own church (Dale & Pat Nicholson, Dale & Cassie Nicholson, The Millers, and Shilo Groover and Dave Korzen) are in such sadness.... we all are. Thank you for the beautiful words that you wrote about Anne Pressly. A friend just sent them to me. I find such comfort knowing that she was a believer and we will see her beautiful smile throughout all eternity. The Shack is my favorite book of all times. I’ve read it twice and will continue to read it over and over again throughout my life. I find such peace in how he portrays the Trinity. I believe you are the one that gave a copy to Jeff Matthews, and he spoke of it on the radio one morning. I went out that day and got a copy. I have since given several copies and recommended it to many people. Thanks for getting the word out there about it. Belinda Matt, Your tribute to Anne showed her true beauty......inside and out. What a legacy! Christie Matt, Dear Mr. Mossler, Thank you for what you wrote regarding Anne Pressley and The Shack. I had read that book earlier in the year and was profoundly moved by it and have prayed that God would use it to reach a lot of people who needed to know the Lord who perhaps would not pick up a Bible. I was thrilled and really not surprised to hear that Miss Pressley liked the book also. Though I am only 59, I am very familiar with death. My husband died at 40, Mama at age 60 and my Dad at 69. They died of illnesses that took them and I have the joy of knowing they are with the Lord. I have always thought how hard it would be to overcome losing someone in the brutal manner that Anne's family did. I was attacked in Memphis at my front door in 1977 by a man with a switchblade and was spared. That had a real effect on me and at times I have even felt guilty about being spared and saying "God delivered me". I know some are saying, where was God when Anne needed Him. You and I both know He was there and I believe if she could speak to us today, she would encourage us to continue walking with God and to continue spreading the joy and sunlight she did everywhere she went. Right now I am praying comfort for the family and also that this man will be brought to justice, and I am even praying that the man will come to know the Lord. I believe he needs to be punished for his actions, but I also would like to see him come to Jesus even though that seems impossible to our minds in the light of his atrocity. Thank God though we are all sinners saved by grace! You are a busy man so I'll close. I just was very touched by what you wrote---it really was the best thing I have seen and I wanted to thank you for writing it and also for your witness for the Lord. Matt I remember my Grandmother always saying the scripture 'The day of one's death is better than Bonnie Thank you for those wise and timely words. I recently read The Shack, and it made a deeply profound impact on me. It answered alot of the space between our 'whys' and the question mark that follows. Thanks for the beautiful story you wrote. I too have read The Shack and passed it on to several friends. What an awesome tribute to your friend. Christy Christy Hi Matt, I just wanted to tell you that what you wrote was so wonderful. It brought so much peace to me when I was reading it. God is always with everyone thru good times and bad. Thank You so much for writing that. Glynndia Matt, a friend of mine sent me the piece you wrote about Anne....and tears are streaming down my face! Your words were blessed...thank you for writing this beautiful tribute. I did not know Anne, except on television. Now, I cry as if she were my friend, too. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of those who so dearly loved this beautiful soul. She must have been like an angel. Tonya Matt, Thank you so much for this beautifully written article about Anne and The Shack. I did not know Anne, however, The Shack has also made a great impact on my life. I have shared it with many people, and will continue to do so. It is a wonderful story of healing broken hearts and restoration with our Heavenly Father. Thank you for sharing this. Hopefully those who loved Anne, and those who have lost others they love will be compelled to read this book. You will have no way of knowing how many people may give their lives to the Lord through this article! God Bless! Matt, I wanted to thank you for sending out this email about Anne. I did not know her only by tv however, her beauty on the outside and inside touched my heart. I can't explain to you why I have been so affected by this trajedy personally, just hauntingly devastating to so many! May God continue to bless you in your life and professional life as well, thanks for bringing out the positive side of this, Anne will continue to live on in other's lives physically with her families decision of organ donation and in the hearts of sooooo many!! In His service, Matt, that was a beautiful thing you wrote about Anne. She was a beautiful person inside and outside. I did not know her personally, but knew her from TV. Thanks again for the thoughts. Beverly Matt, I would love to read the book, "The Shack". Judy I just wanted you to know that what you wrote about Anne Pressly really touched my heart. I will look for the book you talked about I would love to read it. You have been to our church before at Austin Station Baptist a while back when you told us your testimony. Thanks Lisa Garner Thank you for sharing this story. I look forward to getting this book and reading it. God Bless You, Your family, and Anne's Family as well. Cindy Matt, I read your article concerning Anne Pressley and thanks for being salt and light in this dark situation. God bless. Stephen Matt I was e-mailed the article you wrote about Anne Presley and it was beautiful. It really touched my heart. Words could not of been spoken morebeautifully. GOD BLESS you, Angie Howanietz I have remained quiet in my own questioning of how this could happen....until I read your article today. I am so glad to see the vulnerable human and friend that you apparently were to Anne and still are to many others. Thank you for this wonderful link to a fantastic book. I can't wait to read it. Have a wonderful day! Matt, Matt – your message about Anne is just beautiful! Lisa Matt: You don't know me but I have seen you many times, just as most have. I was so touched by an email I received about Anne. In that email you talked about why God allows such terrible things to happen to such great, loving, giving and caring people. I have had many tragedies happen in my life and have only recently come back to the Lord. The comfort I receive from the Lord is two-fold. I wanted to share them with you. First, my Savior is ALWAYS with me and I trust that. Christ never abandons his children. And second, I believe that terrible things happen to give us opportunities to trust in the Lord and to witness to others the miracles he grants us each and every day. It is through these two facts that I can get through each day. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful tribute of Anne, which, in turn, could be a tribute of all us. Sincerely, Matt, Because of Him, Never have I been so effected by someone I have never met. What happened to Anne hit so close to home with me since I am single but I am the one who calls my mother when I get home since I work 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. Just knowing how my mother would panic if I hadn't called her by 0530 in the mornings. My heart goes out to Anne's mother for being the one who found her. Having to see her child beaten like that. I know I am one of 1000's who think the same thing about Anne's story but I just cant get her off my mind. I wish I had known her she seems to have been one of the people I would have loved to spend time with. I happened upon the book 'The Shack' one day at Wal-Mart, not knowing anything about it. It was the peaceful picture on the front that caught my eye. Then when I read the back of the book, I was hooked. The question we all ask " why was that allowed to happen " when there are horrible people on death row and elderly people just waiting to die. Why cut a life so full such as Anne's. What lesson could possibly be worth learning from that?? I am just now able to watch the clips of her pictures without crying and I think of her every morning when I hang my keys up when I come home. Also I have 3 dogs and I have worried about her cocker spaniels and if they will have a good home & if they will wonder what happen to their "anne". So many emotions have gone thru me this past week that I have walked around in a daze just waiting for them to announce they have arrested the man who did this to her. My heart and prayers go out to her family, co-workers, friends and all that knew her before the tragic end of her life. Thank you for the email of your thoughts on Anne & 'The Shack' A dear friend of mine from Stuttgart send it to me and that is how I got this email. CHARLOTTE Someone forwarded me your 10/26 letter about Anne Pressly. It was truly a blessing to read and share with others. I have also read The Shack, and that made this even more meaningful. Thank you for sharing such deep feelings. I never met Anne, but she made me want to watch the Morning Show, as even through the TV I could sense her specialness. May God bless your ministry. Marsha Matt, thank you for making this available for us to read. I am so glad to know this about Ann. It makes the horror of her death more bearable. My daughter sent me the beautiful words you wrote about Anne. I read “The Shack” recently and was profoundly moved by it. I will re-read it now that Anne is gone. I didn’t “know” her, but my heart has hurt so much and many nights I would wake up and her face was in my mind’s eye and I would pray for her. Now, I’m doing that for her mother, who will not be able to erase the horrific scene of seeing her beautiful daughter who was beaten beyond recognition. My heart hurts for her also. Thank you for your lovely thoughts of Anne and for sharing them. They have soothed my aching heart in a way that is very healing. Mary Matt, Matt, I did not know Anne, but feel like I know her better after reading your tribute to her life. My heart has been heavy and I haven't had a good night's rest since the incident. I can't imagine the pain, anguish, confusion and grief that her parents are facing. I can't imagine the terror Anne must have felt when only moments before she was safe and warm in her home. But I can imagine this beautiful woman running into her Savior's arms and feeling real, untainted, perfect peace for the first time. Thank you so much for sending that email. People are forwarding it. People who don't have that still, small voice inside of them...err, haven't listened to it yet, are maybe rethinking their final destination. Anne's death may cause many to reevaluate their life, and more importantly...their eternity. I read this book by C.S. Lewis (I think it was Mere Christianity) and although I'm sure I'm botching the quote, you'll understand. He said something like, "I'm sure God looks down at us in amusement. We are content to play with mud pies when an isle at sea is just around the bend." I know if we could somehow grasp that concept, losing a loved once wouldn't be so darn hard. May I suggest a book to ya? Journey for Desire by John Eldridge is one of the best books I've ever read because it addresses grief in a real, unedited, and relatable way. It also gives the most beautiful picture of what heaven is like. Instead of a place where we sit on a cloud and sing hymns all day...it's a place where our spiritual gifts will be fully realized AND UTILIZED. Imagine what that chic is doing now. I'm so sorry that you have lost a friend and colleague. I am fervently praying for her family and that her legacy will not be soon forgotten. Best, Dear Matt, I just read the article you wrote about Anne Pressly. How beautiful it is! That is definitely a question we have to ask ourselves when someone dies a horrific death as she did...Why? Why does God allow it to happen? We won't truly know until we can ask Him face to face. I didn't know Anne - only watched her on TV and like everyone else, was always impressed by her energy and zeal for life. She could always make the day begin with a smile. She was beautiful and will always be beautiful. Now, she is perfect in heaven and her face is healed and her scars are gone! How someone could be so brutal is unknown to me. God knows who did this - I hope we will know very soon. I agree with you that it was NO coincidence that book came into Annes' life when it did. I hope she was able to find comfort through it in her pain. The worst part of it all is knowing she felt so much fear - yes, I know God was with her - I just wish she had not had to have sooo much pain. At least now the comfort is knowing she is in heaven and in no pain at all. Thanks again for your touching article. I hope her parents will get to read it and find comfort in it. P.S. I watched you when you were on channel 7 and loved you then. I purchased a couple of your CD's when you spoke at a Junior Auxiliary function in Monticello. I hated it when you left. Thank you, Matt. Your words about Anne have been like a soothing balm that heals. We, the public and fans of Anne, are grieving for her loss, also. Sincerely, thank you for putting this whole horrible ordeal into perspective for me. i did not know Anne personaly, but i felt like she knew me and my family. she is a great inspiration to all young women everywhere. thank you and my thought s and prayers are with her and her family. michelle elkins Someone just forwarded your comments about Anne Pressly's death in relation to "The Shack" and what Mack went through after the death of Missy and thought your comments were great. I read this book about 2 months ago and have been passing it on to friends ever since. As I read the book I had to go back and re-read parts in order to grasp what I thought the author was getting across, it was the best book I have read in many years. I lost a 2 year daughter almost 22 years ago and this book helped me see some things in a different light. Without my faith and trust in God my family would not have made it through these past 22 years. He is always with us, whether we know it or not - I believe that with all my heart. I just read the tribute that you wrote of Anne Pressly. It was such an uplift for me today. I have prayed for Anne and her family and will continue to do so. Velda Thank you Matt for a wonderful tribute to Ann Pressly. She was beautiful person. She was excellent at what she did in journalism. I along with others became very angry when I heard the news that she was brutalized and later died. I am also reminded that while we are in this world evil will be present with us. I long for the day when Jesus himself will appear and we won't be have to live with evil anymore. Thanks for having the courage to make a stand for Christ. Yours in Christ, Matt, Thank you, I read your article about Anne and just wanted to commend you on a well stated and obviously heartfelt piece. Our prayers are with her family and friends during this time. That was the most wonderful explanation of the tragic ending to Anne's life. So many of us asked those very questions that you so eloquently explained. Thank you so much. It was beautiful and I feel less angry now....Have a wonderful day! (and I will be purchasing "The Shack". Matt, A friend sent me your thoughts on the death of Anne Presley. I’ve recently been through some trying times and have actually been angry at my God. After reading The Shack, I too, believe that book was brought into my life with a real and loving purpose. Your thoughts were so uplifting and jogged my mind to remember He is here, He cares and He will always be with us. God Bless You. Billie Matt, if I may call you that, I usually get up around 5:30 am and normally watch the news from about 5:45 to 6:20. The one thing that has struck me most is that so many people who claim Christianity tend to compromise their principals. They allow the glorification of ungodly principals to be displayed and show acceptance as if it doesn’t matter. This comes out in their interviews, their garden segments and their political bios. I can’t fully speak about the entire staff at channel 4 but I will say that, for what it is worth, that your show has not been compromised and still gives the family quality that needs to be displayed. As a country we have strayed too far from His truth… Thanks for your service… John Hi Matt, I hope this email finds you well & I hope we’ll be seeing you at the Derden Farm again, this duck season. Sincerely, Nicki Good Morning Matt Matt I got this e-mail this morning from a friend where you wrote about Anne and her faith and love of the book, “The Shack”. This morning my family went through the usual fights of getting everyone off to school and work. Then, on my way in, my Dad called to tell me that my Uncle passed away. I recently read the book, “The Shack” myself. It has truly changed my perspective on so many things. After all the chaos that was my morning, this was a great reminder of where to turn in troubled times. We’ve all heard numerous stories about Anne over the last several days, but it seems most all of them include that she was a Christian with a strong faith. What a comfort to KNOW that she is at peace. We continue to pray for those left behind that morn for her. Family in Christ Jennifer Dear Matt, You have made my day much less stressful, and I thank you. Lauren Matt, A friend sent me the piece you wrote on Anne Pressley, as I sit here in tears I wanted to thank you for the beautiful words you wrote. My heart still bleeds for her mother. I am so sorry that she will forever see the image of her child so badly injured, but I do think GOD sent her there to be the one to rescue her child. I, like many, just can't understand this yet. It saddens me to see what our world is coming to. One thing I do know, I am off to the book store after work to see if I can find that book. Again, thanks for the beautiful thoughts on Anne. Even though I did not know her personally, as a mother it breaks my heart thinking of the pain her family is feeling. Dear Matt, I received your email that you had written about Anne Pressly. I thought it was one of the most beautiful statements concerning such a horrifying thing that happened to such a special person. I met her but for a brief moment a couple years ago when she was doing a charity function and she just hit that special part of your heart. I have watched her on tv and spoke to her mom. The company I work for did service for Anne in her home and I so enjoyed the conversation her mom and I had. It was mostly about Anne and what a special person. I also have a 26 year old daughter, so this has hit me in lots of ways but I know God and prayers will see us all thru this time of sorrow. God bless you for the work you do and my prayers are with all of Anne’s friends and family. We were all so blessed to be allowed to have a moment of Anne in our lives. Thanks again for your words. Mary
Past Entries...
August 2008 - The Smash |
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