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There have been several news stories circulating in the media over the past few years, sharing people’s experiences with the afterlife. But perhaps none is as fascinating as the story of a woman named Tina Hines, who was declared dead for 27 minutes, only to be resurrected and immediately write a message about what she experienced.
Introducing Tina Hines
In February 2018, a woman named Tina Hines suffered a heart attack in her Phoenix, Arizona home. The healthy mother of four was preparing to go on a hike with her husband, Brian, when she collapsed suddenly and unexpectedly.
Attempts to Revive Her
Her husband sprang into action, attempting to revive her. He explained that she was purple and unresponsive. Her eyes were rolled back in her head. He was able to resuscitate her before the ambulance arrived, but the ride to the hospital was extremely touch-and-go.
Arriving at the Hospital
On the way to the hospital, Tina coded multiple times, and the paramedics had to shock her five times. One of the Phoenix firefighters stated, “I’ve never shocked anyone five times”. As soon as she arrived at the hospital, she was intubated.
Regaining Consciousness
After almost 30 minutes of being completely unresponsive, Tina miraculously woke up. She could not speak since she was still intubated, but she immediately requested a pen and paper to share a message about what she saw while she was unconscious.
The Message
Tina scribbled two simple words on the paper: “It’s real”. According to her niece, who shared the experience on Instagram, her aunt had pointed to Heaven with tear-filled eyes when asked what the note referenced.
Proof of the Afterlife
Tina’s family believes Tina’s experience is proof of the afterlife. Her niece, Madie Johnson, shared on Instagram, “Her story is too real not to share and has given me a stronger confidence in a faith that so often goes unseen”. She even had the scribbled note tattooed on her wrist as a symbol of its significance to her.
Description of the Afterlife
Tina later described what she saw in more detail. She saw Jesus standing in front of black gates with a yellow glow behind him, which she interpreted to be the gates of heaven. She explained that the colors were impossibly vibrant and how real it felt.
Confirmation of Faith
The experience reassured Tina and some of her family in their faith. She stated that it confirmed for her that there is life after death. And Tina is not the only one to share an experience like this. Many people who have had near-death experiences have shared similar stories about what they saw or felt in the “afterlife”.
Miraculous?
Studies have confirmed that there is heightened brain activity even in a dying brain, which can account for seeing things. However, whether Tina Hines’ experience was truly miraculous or can be explained by a scientific understanding, her family and other believers have taken her experience as a confirmation of their faith.