29 May, 2007
It's not my fault!
Hancock's father sues over pitcher's death
The suit, filed in St. Louis Circuit Court by Dean Hancock of Tupelo, Miss., does not specify damages. Mike Shannon's Restaurant, owned by the longtime Cardinals broadcaster who starred on three World Series teams in the 1960s, is a defendant in the case along with Shannon's daughter, Patricia Shannon Van Matre, the restaurant manager.
Other defendants include Eddie's Towing, the company whose flatbed tow truck was struck by Hancock's sport utility vehicle in the early hours of April 29; tow truck driver Jacob Edward Hargrove; and Justin Tolar, the driver whose stalled car on Interstate 64 was being assisted by Hargrove.
Authorities said the 29-year pitcher had a blood content of nearly twice the legal limit for alcohol in his system when he crashed into the back of the tow truck. He was also speeding, using a cell phone and wasn't wearing a seat belt, Police Chief Joe Mokwa said after the accident. Marijuana also was found in the SUV.
A person answering phones at the restaurant declined comment.
The lawsuit claimed Tolar was negligent in allowing his vehicle to reach the point where it stalled on the highway, and for failing to move it out of the way of oncoming traffic. A police report said the car became stalled when it spun out after being cut off by another vehicle.
Police said Hargrove noticed the stalled vehicle and stopped to help. The report said he told officers he was there five to seven minutes before his truck was hit by Hancock's SUV. But Kantack said the tow truck may have been there up to 15 minutes, yet failed to get the stalled vehicle out of the way.
"Were the police contacted?" Kantack asked. "Why weren't flares put out? Why was the tow truck there for an exorbitant amount of time?"
Dean Hancock said in a statement that the "facts and circumstances" of Josh's death "have caused great pain to all of Josh's family." As administrator of his son's estate, Dean Hancock said he has an obligation to represent the family on all issues, "including any legal actions necessary against those who contributed to the untimely and unnecessary death."
photo courtesy images.google.com & story foxsports.com, 5/25/07
James 1:12-16
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about taking responsibility for our own actions?
Tyndale's LIFE APLLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes explain it this way:
1:13-15 It is easy to blame others and make excuses for evil thoughts and wrong actions. We use excuses such as: (1) It's the other person's fault; (2) I couldn't help it; (3) everybody's doing it; (4) it was just a mistake; (5) nobody's perfect; (6) the devil made me do it; (7) I was pressured into it; (8) I didn't know it was wrong; or (9) God is tempting me. A person who makes excuses is trying to shift the blame from himself or herself to something or someone else. A Christian, on the other hand, should accept responsibility for his or her wrongs; confess them, and ask God for forgiveness.
You and I may shake our heads in disbelief at today's story of the grieving dad suing others for the death of his drunken son. But if we're honest, we all make excuses for our sins.
No more "blame game". We're not victims. In the name of Jesus, let's confess our sin and let Christ give us a fresh start!
- Ask Jesus to help you be totally honest with yourself and Him. What kind of excuses have you been making about sin in your life? Have you been playing the role of victim? Have you been blaming other people or circumstances? Whatever they are, Jesus will forgive you right now because He died on the cross to pay the penalty for those sins. Confess and receive His loving forgiveness. Thank Jesus for giving you a second, third, sixty-sixth chance to have a fresh start in living for Him.
- Read today's passage several more times this week and listen to God's Spirit teach you through His Word and love.
- Be totally vulnerable with Jesus and write a note to Him that honestly identifies (He already knows, but this is for you) some sins that you constantly struggle with. Be specific about the excuses you use to rationalize these sins. Ask Jesus to make the necessary changes in your life. Every day, for the next 30 days, read the note aloud to Jesus. Evaluate after one month. Get ready to really praise Jesus!
How can we connect today's story and God's Story and our story to others?
- Share what you learned today or in the upcoming 30-day exercise with another follower of Christ.
- Think about someone in your storysphere who is really interested in God's Story but is processing the truth that our sin is a problem now and forever. Share today's story about Josh Hancock's dad suing others for the death of his son. Ask your not-yet-a-follower of Christ friend what they think about this law suit? Listen for his or her response and to Jesus for what to ask or say next. Be ready to share your story - how you had to recognize your own responsibility for your sin keeping you from God. Be honest about how often you have to thank God for being patient with you until you stop playing the blame game. Talk about how God loves you so much that He always forgives you and gives you a fresh start.
- May 2008 [9]
- April 2008 [22]
- March 2008 [21]
- February 2008 [19]
- January 2008 [21]
- December 2007 [20]
- November 2007 [18]
- October 2007 [20]
- September 2007 [19]
- August 2007 [20]
- July 2007 [18]
- June 2007 [19]
- May 2007 [18]
- April 2007 [13]
- March 2007 [17]
- February 2007 [14]
- January 2007 [9]
- December 2006 [6]
- November 2006 [15]
- October 2006 [18]
- September 2006 [12]
- August 2006 [17]
- July 2006 [14]
- June 2006 [4]
