Dealing with tragedy

Phil Stoddart of Lowestoft, United Kingdom, would have every right to feel bad, mad and sad about life. He lost two of his daughters, Claire and Jenny, in 2006 when they were hit by a drunk driver, Ben Morphey, while they were coming home from a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert.

Instead, Stoddart, a teacher, wrote a book called "A12 to Heaven" about his experiences dealing with the tragedy. According to an article in The Advertiser, God spoke to Stoddart while he was in the hospital on the night of the tragedy:

'Jenny was on a life-support machine and we knew in our hearts that she was gone. It was at that point God spoke to me,' said Stoddart. 'I was told there were three things I had to do and he was saying 'these are essential for your recovery'.'

These three instructions given to Mr Stoddart were not to blame God, not to blame himself and not to blame Morphey.

In addition to writing the book, Stoddart also gives talks about his experiences. He said that following God's guidelines has helped him from being consumed by bitterness.