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Mae said... - Just saw the show on the Bio channel and I had to find your blog. Amazing stuff. Thanks!
- Anita said...
- I, too, just saw your show and felt compelled to find your blog. I have always believed in God, but also had a question of 'Is He real?' 'What happens after life?' etc.. I am one of those people who has always feared death and the What if questions that I have. What if there is no God?? Then what? Anyway, I wanted to thank you for helping me to reaffirm that God does exist, heaven exists and that death itself should be so scary. Thank you very much for opening your experience up to anyone who watches the show. I wish you the best when it comes to your own health and I also wish the best to your family.
anthony7 said...- Thank you Mae and Anita for the kind words and thoughts. Anita, I too had questioned God's existence as I grew older but at the last minutes I turned to Him. I think this world pushes us away from Him if we let it, and I had let it. Somehow though He understood and all was forgiven by just asking. It sure is a lot better now that I know I'm not in control, cause I didn't do too well when I was driving. Now even though the roads get rough sometimes, I get to see the beauties I missed when I thought I was in control, and I never ride alone.
Thanks,
Anthony
- Anonymous said...
- Hi Anthony. I left a message on your facebook too. I was so moved that I had to find your blog today. Your story had both my husband and I in tears. Our Father is so faithful to hear us. How simple to ask for forgivness and get it. I sat there wanting to feel the peace that comes with being in the presense of God Almighty..
The thing that gave me the most hope and comfort about your story was the part where you were trying to express to your wife that your were better than ok,, that you were perfect... I have a 24 year old daughter with Cystic Fibrosis.. she has never known what it feels like to be well. We almost lost her last year twice. I struggled with God and pleaded for Him to heal her.. and he did.. But there was a big part of me that new I was being selfish to keep her here on this earth.. She will never be healed here, but God still has work for her to do..
your story gave me great comfort and reinforced what I already know to be true.. that she will be perfected and never be sick again when she meets Jesus face to face. Thank you so much for sharing your story.. Much love and blessing to you and your family.. I will pray for you.. thank you..
Dar.
kjpugs said...- I just saw your episode on I Survived... I am so glad to find your blog and know that you are blogging about surviving. I've had many, many blogs and no matter how many words I write or pictures I post, I know that I cannot truly touch people with the silly stuff in my life. Your blog can really touch and inspire people! I've added it to my blog reader and can't wait to keep up with you Anthony. God Bless you and your family and thank you for sharing your amazing, touching journey with the world.
- anthony7 said...
- Thank you Dar and PJPugs for your kind words and prayers.
PJPUGs, you never know how much your words mean to someone else, so please don't sell yourself short. I would never imagine that my words or my story would touch as many people as it has, and we all touch people in different ways. There is a reason that you are writing.
Dar, your story has touched my heart as well. God has given you both this very special girl for a reason, because he knows that you all are wonderful people, and I would expect that He would expect you to hold onto her. There is nothing selfish about that and if there is I know that God will understand. We are made perfect when we meet with God through Him. All the questions we say we will ask suddenly fade away, for we have all we need and in want for nothing. I will keep you and yours in my prayers.
I read a sign on a video I watched one time that say the word P.U.S.H. Pray Until Something Happens. I believe in my heart that works, though I also keep in mind, His will be done.
God Bless & Keep You All,
Anthony
Leah Anderson said...- Thanks for accepting my friend request on Facebook...I was so moved by your story and your insight last night on Beyond and Back that I just had to contact you and tell you thanks for touching my life. I will keep you and your family in my prayers...
- anthony7 said...
- Thanks Leah, I am glad that my story has helped you. It actually makes this more bearable and an honor when I hear people say that it has helped them. To be quite honest, it helped me too. God only knows where I'd been spiritually if He hadn't have stepped in. I'm kinda hard headed so i guess it took a few slaps, lol. I appreciate your friendship and honored that you call me friend.
- anthony7 said...
- And I forgot to thank you for your prayers.
- Crystal said...
- I've watched the same episode more than once now, and you are truly an inspiration. You are helping countless people in more ways than you'll ever know. I think God gives us a little glimpse of Heaven through people like yourself. This gives me comfort in knowing that those I love that have passed on are in a much better place. Thank you for sharing your experience.
- Shireen said...
- I watch the show every week, but your story and words moved me to find your blog. I have never blogged before, but I must tell you your verbalization of your experience was life altering to me. The words you used were real and so moving. I recorded the show, so I was able to back it up and hear your words again. I got out a note pad and made notes to keep reminding me that people don't die-they then LIVE!
- anthony7 said...
- Thank you Crystal and Shireen, it is good to know that sharing the event has helped someone. I have to give the people at the Bio channel and Chris, Supryia, and Alex credit too for making the show available to people, they done a great job. The most credit however goes to God, who made the call to leave and come back, I just happened to be there. Not that I'd want to do that again, but then again, I would if it meant changing me and waking me up. Denise and I watched that night and I looked over and she was crying. I might have but I wouldn't admit it if I did, lol.
Crystal, my dad was in a sudden brain hemorrhage on the initial interview and I was just out of radiation treatments, dad died just 7 days after the first interview. For the taped interview we went to Atlanta just a few weeks after his death. He was a far better man than I will ever be, so funny, so gentle, so kind. The tears I shed were for us, but not a tear for him, for I know what he feels, where he is at. I miss him but I would not want him to leave where he is and come back here for anything. He hurt here, so bad where age had worked his body down. He is perfect there and I look forward to the day we can reunite. There are no good-byes, not really. Just see ya later.
- Andrea said...
- cried when I watched the show....cried when Dea and I emailed. .... now I'm crying reading your blog!!! Keeping you in my prayers !!!
- anthony7 said...
- Andrea, please don't be sad. Everything always works out for the good, be it we live or die. There is a reason for all of these things to happen, but I'd be lying if I sad I knew what it was. But please don't be sad.
- willowhisper said...
- Ok....I'm another face in the crowd who came looking for you after seeing the amazing show on Bio. I wish you could know how much your story (and others) have profoundly affected the way I think about my faith and my concept of what a human life really is. Talk about blessed assurance! You are living proof. Please keep up your blogging. It's a true blessing to others.
- willowhisper said...
- LiOk....I'm another face in the crowd who came looking for you after seeing the amazing show on Bio. I wish you could know how much your story (and others) have profoundly affected the way I think about my faith and my concept of what a human life really is. Talk about blessed assurance! You are living proof. Please keep up your blogging. It's a true blessing to others.
- anthony7 said...
- Willowisper, Thank you. I am glad that others have been helped by our story. It kind of makes it worth it, knowing that I was a small part of helping someone.
Keep the faith,
Anthony
M2theAK said...- you are an inspiration because of your attitude. :) you sure are back here for a reason- just watching you on the show today inspired me. i will be praying for you.
- anthony7 said...
- M2theAK, I'm glad you enjoyed it and I thank you for your prayers. Hopefully I'm back for a reason, but if not, I've enjoyed more time with my family and friends.
- Laura said...
- I have gotten hooked on the show and appreciate people like you sharing your amazing stories. I got really excited when I saw that you live in Tennessee. I lived in Knoxville and after graduating from UT moved to Texas. I sure do miss Tennessee and whenever I watch or hear anyone from TN I feel like I'm reuniting with a friend!! That must be another reason I felt compelled to leave a comment after watching your episode and reading your blog! From what I saw on your episode, it seems you have a wonderful attitude and such a positive outlook on life and death. I have read how exhausting chemo (amongst other things) is and think you are extremely thoughtful to blog about your experiences to help others cope and deal with theirs. In addition to helping others you have also helped me gain peace with the reality of death...something which has scared me since I was a young girl. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and reassuring me that there is nothing to fear as long as I continue a loving relationship with God. Again I am thankful for you and your wife opening up about your life and what you experienced beyond that as well. I am hoping for the best for you, your family and the health of you all.
God bless Anthony! :)
- Anonymous said...
- I just watched the show and was touched by several of your comments. I had to find your blog and leave a comment. I live in Knoxville and have some friends who live in White Pine. I feel like I'm just down the road from you! The first comment that made an impact on me was when you said, "A lot of the stuff I thought was ok because everybody does it, suddenly didn't look so ok." It makes me a little more aware of how I may treat people and hopefully, from this point on, I won't have to look back in regret. The other comment that made an impact on me was when you said, "I knew I supposed to fight. I think we're all supposed to fight with everything we have and not make the decision when it's time to go." For a number of years, I have been suicidal and have wanted to make that decision on my own. You (and others on the show) say that you would rather stay where you were because it was so peaceful and perfect. That's where I want to be, in a place that is perfect and has no pain. If I were ever in a life or death situation, I don't believe I would fight to stay here on this earth. Although I know God has a purpse for me, I sometimes get discouraged because I don't know what it is. I'm sorry you had to live through this experience, but it sounds like you have used this to further cement your place in the Kingdom. Thank you for sharing your experience and may God bless you during these trying times. I will keep you in my prayers as you continue your treatment.
- anthony7 said...
- Thank you Laura and Anonymous. Two Knoxville people, yep, we're neighbors. My treatments for the Esophageal Cancer have been done at UT and St Mary's, both excellent hospitals. I thank you both for the kind words and prayers. I thank you all for watching the show and reading the blog. Honestly, there are parts of the blog I can't even read these days. There were times I couldn't believe that I had typed things, things I probably wouldn't have said to someone.
Anonymous, if there is one thing everybody has, it's a purpose, God don't make mistakes. I think we all get depressed sometimes, this world has a way of doing that. I know I do at times, but not like I did after the event. We all matter, we all count, and we are all loved... even if the world says we're not, we are. There were a few things that I came back knowing that I didn't know, or maybe didn't realize. Through this, one thing has helped me when times get bad. Be it good or bad, no moment lasts forever on earth. So enjoy the good and cherish them. When the bad comes, and it does, know that it will pass, it will not last forever.
A lot of times I listen to 106.9 The Light, or get online and look up songs or groups from there. However you cope, whatever may come, know that you are never alone. All you have to do is ask Him. And, if you ever need to talk, you can call me. 865-674-6318.
Perpetual Pam said...- After I watched your episode on the Beyond & Back show, I just knew that many lives would be touched by it. I'm sure you have already and will continue to help many people. I just want to thank you for speaking up and telling your story without holding back. I believe what you experienced was real and telling others about it will help many to realize the value of life and the importance of love and forgiveness.
I too had an "out-of-body" experience where I believe I died and left this world for a short time, even though they would not admit that I had died or my heart had stopped or anything at the oral surgeon's clinic. I don't know what happened to me physically, but I know that the experience was real. It happened in the early 80's. Ever since then, I have been very interested in what other people have had to say about what happened to them when they died and came back. In the 90's I read several books about Near Death Experiences and found them fascinating. We are only here on earth for a short time, but when that time is up, our soul or spirit will live on and move to another realm. I'm afraid of pain and suffering, but I'm not afraid to die. I know that Jesus will be there to help me move on to what ever comes next.
I am grateful to you and everyone else who has been brave enough to tell about their "beyond and back" experiences. Hearing or reading about these experiences reinforced my own belief in God and Heaven. Thank you Anthony. I have prayed for you today, and will continue to pray for you. May God Bless You Always.
- anthony7 said...
- Pam, I thank you for the prayers and kind words. The response has been humbling, I never knew that many people would be touched by the few minutes I was on the show. It sounds as if you did have an NDE for you came out of it with what most NDErs know. Love and forgiveness, that is what life is about. Not the judging each other and hate that we see today, but love and forgiveness. People matter. Relationships matter. I leave the judging up to God and try and work on myself and my errors. God knows I need a lot of work.
I would love to hear what you experienced.
Your Friend, Anthony
- nickee said...
- Anthony, I watched you on the Bio channel last night and like others that have commented you touched my heart. I felt strongly led to find your blog tonight. I also felt more conviction in my faith and what I have chose to believe in this life about the God of my understanding. I believe one day we will understand and see the puzzle of our lives have all fit together. How different people were put in our lives for reasons we dont know. I just loved your outlook on life and you are a treasure! God has blessed you truely blessed you!
- anthony7 said...
- Nickee, Thank you for the kind words. I have been amazed at how so many people have reached out and been so nice. Humbled that someone like me could have toughed so many people enough that they would care enough to let me know. I will say that I have been truly blessed. I have a great family and so many great friends and still making more. I think someday we will know what this is all about, but then again, even if we didn't it would be ok too. When in God's Light, we know everything we need to know and want for no more. I don't always make sense of this life, but I know God does and I have slowly learned that it is enough for me knowing he does. It took a while though. I heard a song that said "Please be still and know that I am God". Somehow that made sense. I think it has taken all of this for me to be still and know that God is God.
The Southern Housewife said...- Amazing, amazing. I had to come search for your blog (looks like I'm not the only one! Lol) your story was so inspiring to me. Right now I am very much struggling with the concept of God and why we're here. I've grown up Catholic and have always known God, but I feel I don't really KNOW him. I love watching this show because it helps to give me proof that their is a God. I have many many questions still (why are we here? Why is there so much hate? Are some religions right and others wrong? Are there many paths to God (Buddha, Allah, ect) or is it just Jesus (or combo of all) ?? There's just so much that has me confused. But hearing your story gives me hope that there is love out there. Thank you for sharing. I'll be praying for your recovery and comfort while enduring it all. :) Peace. -Jennifer
- anthony7 said...
- Hi Jennifer, I am glad you enjoyed it and it has helped you. The Bio Channel gets the credit for that. They have done an excellent job and a honest one. I wish I had all the answers to your questions, but I don't. I can tell you only what i think. Bear in mind, I'm a Christian so I would say I'm a bit biased, lol.
To me, I heard a man once say, and I forget who, that if we understood God, He would not be worthy of our worship. Somehow that makes sense to me. We have the finite world and so infinite is beyond our grasp. We can only imagine at best. When you step into that world, you grasp it. Come back though and you remember it, but can't explain it.
While I have friends of different faiths, and they are good people, I do believe that Jesus is the way to God the Father. Then again, I think dogma gets in the way, so I'm not up on all of that. Perhaps that is why Jesus said that we must be as a child to enter. Children look at things simple. The Bible is a good History of past events and in the New Testament we're given rules to go by in addition to some of the Old Testament, most of which I view as a history lesson. I'm not that versed on the Bible though. What I do know is the Jesus said we must forgive in order to be forgiven and that rather than pointing out the fault in others, we should be working on our own faults. I think that message gets distorted a lot. We are all guilty of wrongs in some way or the other. The biggest thing though is love, and that will take care of the first two. Not so much for ourselves but for our fellow man (or woman). That and a few other Commandments, pretty simple really, or it should be.
As for hate in the world one has to remember that the Bible mentions another god, the god of this world, Satan, and he is working overtime. He is all over the TV, music, and in many of the churches too. Anything to hold you back from God. I read or heard somewhere a man that put it best, "God doesn't write footnotes."
As for suffering, and I'll say this quickly, please no more God :), what I didn't learn through the NDE, what I had forgotten, I learned through all of this. And now something that I had not thought about, others benefiting from my experiences. Really though, God could have put anybody where I am talking to people. There are many people who have had much worse than I. Why me, I have no idea, but I am humbled by it. I have seen and lived what I call Hell on earth the last year or so, but I've never had to walk it alone. Not only has God been there when I asked, he surrounded me with great people, people much better than I. There are many people that have earned where I am today. I really don't think it is a punishment or test when somebody gets sick. Though He may be getting someone's attention, and if that is the case, He has mine. :)
I've been reading a new book that I think is cool and I'll just post the name so that nobody can say I'm making money off telling about it. Shocked By The Bible. Google it. It is one o the best books I've ever read.
Well, I'll shut up now. :) I sounded a bit too close to preaching, lol. And that ain't me. I do thank you for the prayers. I believe in the P.U.S.H., or Pray Until Something Happens, no matter the answer.
Your Friend,
Anthony
- The Southern Housewife said...
- Anthony, thank you SO much for taking the time to respond. I do know you must have much better things to do with your time than to answer some lost little girl. :)
I'll have to reread your message again to grasp it all. So much good info.
I do have one question though. As a Christian, I do worship Jesus, so keep that in mind. What makes you so confident that the path to God is through Jesus? Was it something you believed in before your NDE or was it something that was solidified after what you went through? I just would hate to think I wont get to see friendsand family who make not be the same" religion" as me. It's just sad to think about.
Have you read, "The Shack?"
Lori Bei Durst said...- Me too...I just watched the show and had to find you...tell Denise she looked great! :o) Really inspiring and it helped so much to hear your experience along with the others. I just wrote a bit about my mother's death on my blog. Your story gives me great comfort...thank you. I was a bit sad to hear of your continued challenges after you came back, but your attitude is so light-hearted and kind. Not to sound trite, but hang in there! May your journey be one of continued healing and joy. Blessings to you and Denise, Lori
- anthony7 said...
- Hey Jennifer and Lorie. I'll do another post after I read your site Lori. That is all we have here is time. I am glad that you took the time to write me. To answer your question I don't know. all that was revealed to me was what I refer to as the Light of God and what that felt like. I've done some extensive reading and I am going by what I have read and part what I believed before that day. I didn't attend church regularly as a boy but read the Bible some. The I quit, then started back, then quit again. That is where I am to this day. I had become an Agnostic up until the final minutes that night through events. Funny how we fall back when there is nowhere else to turn, or at least I did.
I think that because Jesus came and bore the sins of the world that He became our doorway to God the Father. No need for priests or a third party to talk for us. We need them to teach us only what it says. The Old Testament I view what some may think a bit odd. A few rules and predictions in there but mostly a history lesson. The New Testament as a way to live. Also with a few rules but most of all, promises.
I have friends of different faiths as well, most far better in actions than many that claim they are Christian. Deeds alone I don't think will get one there, faith won;t do it either, from what I've studied. It takes both. Will they go to Heaven, I don't know, taking a different path. I know though what was written. I hope they do. Here though, in this life, we are to love all people. I fall short there a bit, lol. I love to talk with my friends that have different beliefs and I can say I have learned a lot from them.
Now if God has commanded someone to follow a different path, I have no idea. Apolloyan Raising 2012, is a good book to read. Though some things I have a hard time believing. As far as Allah, it doesn't bother me. Whatever name they chose to call God, for the name God is a title. This is the part I get in trouble, lol. Muslim, Judaism, and Christian all share the same Old Testament, and therefore the same God. I know that people don't like to hear that, but it's true. I don't try and change anybody's beliefs though. I leave that up to them and God. I would be scared that I might steer them wrong. But from what I have studied, Jesus is the only way. Any of the rest of dogma, I kind of look past it. Personally, I don't wish anybody to Hell. Anthony
- anthony7 said...
- Hey Lori, I just went to your blog and it is great. I love the quotes and inspiration that the whole blog brings out. Love the pictures too, I like antiques. Denise said thank you, but she thinks she looked fat, lol. She had cried all of her make-up off. I saw she had, she was interviewed first, then me. We were in separate rooms and separate interviews. She cried when she watched it too.
You loved your mother a lot and it shows in your words. She loved you a lot too, it shows in her eyes in the picture. It isn't the end though I know you miss her. Imagine the love you had for each other then multiple that by infinity, that is what she has right now. The best days ever here on earth would pale in comparison there. Imagine the most peaceful day here in your life. It would not even compare. No sadness is allow in. No pain, No hunger. No questions. No thirst. No imperfections. All done with a love that I can't explain.
The worse part is I can't explain how great it is, I miss it. My dad died between interviews and I miss him so. One ca see that in my blog. But I am so happy for him for I know what he feels. There are those who say that you just go ts sleep and await a day to rise up and come home. If that is so, just feeling Who we are near would be worth the wait.
A greater person cannot exist than someone who places a love so dear in the hearts of another that they remember that love they had and cherish it. A day will come though when you will be joined with a new love, we'll call it love 2.0. Guaranteed, nothing like it on earth. Your tribute to your mom is a tribute to you and both of your greatness.
Thank you for the kind words. I'm hoping that this stuff gets better or the journey ends soon. Either way I win. Course I'd like to stick around a bit longer. Denise wouldn't have nobody to boss or tease her, lol. Plus I have to do a better garden this year. :) Your Friend, Anthony
- anthony7 said...
- Jennifer, I forgot to answer a question. To be honest, I haven't heard of the book "The Shack" I did right then check it out. I'll be placing an order again soon for some more books and may add that one to the list, if you think it was worth reading. Reading books is something new to me. ADD had kept me from reading complete books. I have and still do read a lot into research, just not usually religion.
Would you recommend this book? I am about 1/2 way through Shocked By The Bible now and I have nothing left to read. Most of the books I have are reference books. I'm one of those people that has to do things myself. Build, repair, etc... Thank You, Anthony
- The Southern Housewife said...
- Anthony,
I would totally recommend the Shack. It was an amazing book for me and helped me answer some questions. I will definitely be looking at the book you recommend as well. Thanks for suggesting it. :)
And again, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I find it interesting that you were Agnostic and found your way back after you NDE. Id love it if you would write more about what happened and what you went through. I can't imagine what perfect love feels like. :)
GirlyB said...- Hi Anthony! Guess what? I just watched the show too! :) I had to come find your blog. I am a breast cancer survivor. I found you saying something that I say, "Why did this happen to me? Maybe it was for someone else to learn something." I firmly believe that. God didn't punish me for something I did, but He instead used me as a tool. Just as He is using you, but you my friend are a multi-talented tool. What a testimony you have to share. I appreciate the fact that you are writing this blog and sharing your life with us. I have only read the most recent post, but had to stop to write you this. Can't wait to hear more from you. Hugs to you and your wife!
Pam
- anthony7 said...
- Hi Jennifer, I have the Shack ordered so hopefully it will be in soon. Thank you for the tip on it.
I've actually considered starting another blog about it and other things, but right now more mulling it over. Any questions I can answer, just ask and I'll do the best I can. I thank you for being interested. Though I'll never be able to describe what it feels like. No words for that. . :)
- anthony7 said...
- Hi Pam, Congratulations on being a breast cancer survivor. That is great. It would be nice to see all cancer cured, never to return again. You too have seen some rough times.
Thank you also for the kinds words, but I'll guess that you have info that would be great to share. I hope you enjoy the blog and that we can be friends. I'm not a writer so look over the spelling and sentence structure. Come to think about it I think I talk that way too. :) Your Friend, Anthony
- anthony7 said...
- Hi again Pam, You have some great blogs too. I've read some of your breast cancer blog, excellent.
Thanks, Anthony
Michele26 said...- I don't have a unique experience to share...like others, your story touched me and moved me to find your blog. After viewing the show on Bio, I think there is little question as to how God is working through you to reach and inspire others.
You mentioned, during your interview, that you don't think you write nor express yourself well. Your words are wise and your posts resounding, strong and so touching - words truly from the heart. Thank you. You are an inspiration and a person that will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
- anthony7 said...
- Thank you Michelle. When I was young I remember saying God use me for Your will, never quite thought about what that ways He might at the time. :) But I'm glad He did for as I got older I turned my back on Him in many ways. Some of my friends that I grew up with read the blog say they didn't remember me being able to spell that well... spell check:). I do however write from my heart and funny how I use to only pray when I was in trouble and now I pray most times before I even write, or just setting around. I thank you for the kind words and especially the prayers. I don't deserve either one but I cannot tell you how much that means to me. For those who have felt a connection with what I say though, I deserve none of the credit. I give that credit to God. God Bless & Keep You, Anthony
Anthony & Denise
Monday, January 31, 2011
Beyond & Back Show
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Anthony - I just saw your Beyond and Back episode and I wanted to say thank you for telling your story.
ReplyDeleteHearing your story makes me feel less fear about death and a lot of hope after hearing about how wonderful the other side is.
I hope you are feeling well - your story is inspirational.