The story of one Gulf Coast Alabamian is being hailed as a “miracle” and “sign from God.”
As reported in the past few days by Fox News and WALA, Scot Byrd was faced with a devastating tragedy when his Baldwin County home was destroyed in a Christmas tree fire last month.
Byrd, a veteran and father of four, had lived in the home for 20 years. However, out of the tragedy, tears of a different sort were born when a firefighter discovered that the Bible passed down to Byrd by his grandfather had survived.
“The fireman actually came out [of the home] with tears in his eyes and he said, ‘[Y]ou’re not going to believe this, you’ve gotta come see it for yourself,’” Byrd told WALA. “This Bible did not have one scorch mark on it.”
The firefighter explained that it was as if someone had placed the Bible on top of all the ashes and rubble.
Annette Byrd, Scot’s sister, told Fox News the “Good Book” was somehow untouched by the flames and the water from the firefighters.
“The Bible was there. I could’ve taken it to church and kept up with the preacher,” she advised.
For Byrd, the Bible – which features a cross and the verse John 3:16 etched on the cover – was the latest sign that God was working in their lives.
His seven-year-old daughter, Shelby, is his “miracle baby.” She was diagnosed with leukemia at age two. At the time, doctors told them she had no hope after she went into a coma, however she woke up and now is in remission.
Since the fire, several community organizations and businesses have donated clothes, school supplies and beds for Byrd and his daughters.
“We don’t give up,” Byrd told WALA. “We’ve had an outpouring from the community, if I went to name everyone [who’s helped] by name I would be here for two hours.”
He and his family are reportedly living at a temporary home in Gulf Shores until their home can be rebuilt in Bon Secour. The community has taken care of the family’s material needs, Byrd explained, but any financial help is appreciated given the cost of Shelby’s medical bills and the cost of replacing their home.
Donations are being accepted on Facebook.
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
