Author: C.C. Hasty

I believe in the power of prayer. Let me show you why...

Heroes 

by C.C. Hasty, posted in Blessed, Brothers, God Is Good, Heaven, Prayer, Wheelchair

Yesterday, we were finally able to meet the emergency response teams that helped save our boys lives on August 16, 2015. It was such a terrific experience for all of us. They took the time to clarify assumptions that we had such as we thought Jackson and Alex were the last to be airlifted to Vanderbilt when indeed they were the first. Alex did insist that they get his brothers out of the vehicle first. They remarked on how much the brothers cared for one another. They were each concerned about their brothers as they were extracted from the vehicle. We knew it was a miracle that Jacob is capable of walking today, but after hearing about the complexity of his extraction and the severity of his injuries, it is even more apparent now. They showed the boys the tools that were used to help get them out of the vehicle. Allowed them to see inside of the fire truck and ambulances, and even ride in the fire truck. The heroes from Rutherford County Fire Dept., EMS, and SORT Team went above and beyond the call of duty on that fateful day. They continued to care about our boys well-being, even after their job was done. I am forever grateful to each and every one of them. 


Love & blessings, 

C.C.

Heaven is Real 

by C.C. Hasty, posted in Blessed, God Is Good, Heaven, Prayer, Uncategorized, Wheelchair

I was reminded this week of how thankful I am to live in the Bible Belt. When I tell people of Jackson’s visit to heaven, no one laughs at me, ridicules me, or mocks me. The typical  response I receive when telling people about Jackson’s trip to heaven is complete and absolute acceptance. People are excited to hear his story. Almost every single time the listener will comment, “I believe it beyond a shadow of a doubt.” 

I am sure at some point that may not be the case. I am prepared for someone to say that it was simply a dream. Possibly a hallucination. There is no way he went to heaven and came back again. And that is perfectly okay. It isn’t my job to force people to believe or to convince them that it is true. It is my task to simply be the voice of our story and share it with others. 

I remember saying to everyone who would listen shortly after the accident that Jackson had an experience in heaven. How did I know? Simple. You could feel it everytime you walked into his room in the NICU at the hospital. The minute you were in his presence, a feeling of peace and calm would wash over you. There were times I would just sit in his room to find the quite and stillness that my soul longed for. 

It would be almost 3 months before he would casually mention it for the first time during one of our daily walks from the hospital cafeteria at Scottish Rite. To him, it wasn’t a big deal. He is only 7 years old, and simply doesn’t understand how rare his experience was. I chose early on to never ask him about it. I only listened. It would be another 6 months before he would ever mention it again. I thankfully had the presence of mind to record that conversation. I wanted to be able to show anyone who ever doubted that this was coming from him and him alone. I didn’t put ideas in his head or lead him to answers. 

The most recent and final conversation was during the week of the 1 year anniversary of the accident. He explained the process of dying as being instantaneous. You simply close your eyes and wake up in heaven. He shared with me that Jesus gave him the power to walk on the clouds because he didn’t have wings like everyone else. He told me about seeing the gates made of gold (I later showed him pictures of heavens gates and he picked out the one made of pearls. I assume he didn’t know that pearls would shine too). He told me that everyone there was middle aged. There was no pain, no fear, or sadness in heaven. He explained that since his name wasn’t written in the Book of Life, he had to come back to earth. But that was okay because he didn’t want to leave his family. He excitedly told me that the last time he remembers walking is walking in heaven with Jesus. 

The things he has shared with me are biblical. You could say he got the idea of clouds and Jesus from church. He only attended church a couple of times prior to the accident, and I assure you they didn’t talk about the Book of Life, or what age people would be in heaven. He simply knows too much that is verified by the the Word to be a coincidence, a dream or a hallucination. 

To this day, people ask me how he handles being paralyzed. They are amazed when I tell them that he is the happiest kid I have ever known. His smile brightens up any room. His laughter is like a balm to your soul. I believe with everything that is in me it is because he was in the presence of Jesus and he brought some of heaven back with him. 

I share Jacksons story because if anyone has ever doubted if there is a God or if heaven exists, you don’t have to anymore. Heaven is real and most importantly, God is real. If you have lost someone you love, one day you WILL see them again. You are never alone. God is ready to engulf you with His grace and mercy. He wants to wrap you up in His loving embrace. All you have to do is let Him in. 

I ask all of my readers to share this with your family and friends. Maybe you already believe, but perhaps someone close to you is struggling to and this may be the final thing they need to accept Jesus into their heart. Let’s get the word out there! Yes, heaven is real! 

Love & blessings, 

C.C. 

I Have the Victory 

by C.C. Hasty, posted in Uncategorized

On Sunday, my pastor spoke about the battleground of stepping out in faith and doing what God has called us to do. He said, “Don’t think the devil is going to make it easy for you. It is a battle. After the week I’ve had if you could see me in the spiritual realm, I have a bloody face and nose.” Oh boy, I am definitely in a battle. 

I’ve said since shortly after the accident that the devil was doing all he could do to shut me up. You see, I knew that I was called to be the voice of our story. I knew that God was using me to share His goodness and grace with others. Our boys and their journey offered so many people hope in their own lives and situations. It was and continues to be up to me to make sure that I am listening to what God is  leading me to share and having the faith to do it. I also knew then that the devil wasn’t going to make it easy for me. 

Everytime God gives me a word to share, a part of me wonders what it will open the door to. There were times after the accident that I would share a miracle that happened knowing that my faith would be tested because of it. The devil would immediately swoop in and try to make me regret sharing it. I would be taunted spiritually and fear would set in. I would think, “What if I share this and I’m wrong? Maybe I should wait until a little time has passed and I am absolutely certain.” The truth was, God declared it and nothing the doctors would say would contradict His word. I had to learn to step out in faith, regardless of how others perceived it. It caused me to stand planted even more firmly in place on the word. I had to backup my faith with action, because so many people were watching me live it. 

It isn’t always easy to do. There are times when I want to cry mercy, throw my hands up in the air and just shut my mouth. I think, “Maybe the devil will stop attacking my family.” It seems like we can’t catch a break. Everytime we think we are gaining ground we take two steps back. Do you know what that tells me? Our journey isn’t over. God still has plans for our family and it is going to be GREAT! The devil is losing, and he knows it! Otherwise, why would he be so busy throwing punches? 

There is no doubt that I am in a spiritual battle. There is a devil and he is out to kill, steal and destroy. He wants to shut me up. He wants me to fall down in despair and lose faith. He doesn’t want me to share how great our God is. He wants people to only see the struggles our family has and still face. He wants people to question why our family is going through so many hardships if I have faith and God on my side. The devil wants people to ask, “If God was so great, why would He allow these things to keep happening in her family?” The answer is simple, I know the outcome. The devil loses and God wins. And as much as I am able, I will continue to shout His praises.  I refuse to allow the devil to deceive people by using my family. 

So when the T-G asked me to do an interview last week, I said absolutely and without hesitation. The more the devil attacks, the more I will praise Jesus publicly. The outcome of the current battle doesn’t concern me. I am looking towards my victory in the end. Yes, I am beat up and bloody, but I know who wins this war in the end. I know who has the victory… by the blood of Jesus, I do!

On the way to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital yesterday with Jackson, I thought about this blog post, which I hadn’t posted publicly yet. The devil was once again going on the offense and trying to scare me into keeping my mouth shut. “You sure you want to post that?” he taunted.

So what did I do? I posted it anyway!!! And guess what,  Jackson is still smiling and after numerous tests the doctor couldn’t find anything wrong with him! Why? Because God is good and through Him I can do ALL things! People tell me all the time that they don’t know how I’ve been able to stay strong through all of this. It has NEVER been my strength. It has always been Him, since that very first moment by the side of that road. 

Love & blessings, 

C.C. Andrews