By now, everyone has heard about the devastation caused in Haiti by a massive earthquake. Disasters of this magnitude don’t happen everyday (and we should be thanking God for that), so it is natural that our attention should be drawn to an event that is so cataclysmic that the death toll is estimated to be at least 50,000 people and the capital city has practically been leveled. We typically respond quickly to these types of events, as we should (see Give Your Age for Haiti in the Storm Bulletin to see how PCHS is responding and how you can get involved.) The truth is, however, we live in a country where almost without exception the physical needs of those far from us are greater than the needs of those close to us. This is the reality of living in America. To put it simply, we have and much of the world has not. Acting as the hands and feet of Christ should exemplify who we are, not only how we respond when someone’s cry is loud enough. Reaching out to Haiti is what we should be doing today; reaching out to the world is what we should be doing always.
Friday, January 15, 2010
To Haiti and Beyond
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
On Donating Blood
Today I tried to give blood at the PCHS blood drive. Last night I almost gave blood while driving. In both cases, not a drop was shed. Today I was disappointed, last night I was relieved. I guess that has something to do with how the blood would have been shed.
Today, I would have gladly given a pint of my blood so that others could have the blood they so desperately need. Despite the fact that my blood is worthy of such sacrifice (at least in my humble opinion), the Red Cross did not see it that way, and told me to come back in 18 months, when there would be enough time between blood donation and my former life in Africa. I have to admit that it is a little sad to really want to give blood, but be refused. I was not alone in this rejection, as I saw other fine people also being turned away.
Last night I was in a car accident on M-120 when another driver pulled out in front of me and I couldn't stop. The front end of my poor little Fusion was demolished, but my seat belt and air bag protected me well, and I went home with just a few scratches and bruises. The other driver was only slightly more injured, having a few cuts on his head, which is somewhat miraculous considering I hit him almost directly on the driver's side door. I did, in all honestly, ask the question "is this the end" in the 1.73 seconds between realization of impending impact and the actual collision. At the same time, I felt a strange sense of peace, knowing that I could be very close to seeing Jesus. But it clearly was not my time, and I'm grateful to have the continued opportunity to serve Jesus right where I am. That's because He made the ultimate blood donation, the one that paid the price for you and for me, and that gives us all the incentive we should ever need to serve others.
When we donate blood at a blood drive, it is an act of service to those in need. When Jesus donated his blood on the cross, it was the one act of service that gives meaning to all the others.
Today, I would have gladly given a pint of my blood so that others could have the blood they so desperately need. Despite the fact that my blood is worthy of such sacrifice (at least in my humble opinion), the Red Cross did not see it that way, and told me to come back in 18 months, when there would be enough time between blood donation and my former life in Africa. I have to admit that it is a little sad to really want to give blood, but be refused. I was not alone in this rejection, as I saw other fine people also being turned away.
Last night I was in a car accident on M-120 when another driver pulled out in front of me and I couldn't stop. The front end of my poor little Fusion was demolished, but my seat belt and air bag protected me well, and I went home with just a few scratches and bruises. The other driver was only slightly more injured, having a few cuts on his head, which is somewhat miraculous considering I hit him almost directly on the driver's side door. I did, in all honestly, ask the question "is this the end" in the 1.73 seconds between realization of impending impact and the actual collision. At the same time, I felt a strange sense of peace, knowing that I could be very close to seeing Jesus. But it clearly was not my time, and I'm grateful to have the continued opportunity to serve Jesus right where I am. That's because He made the ultimate blood donation, the one that paid the price for you and for me, and that gives us all the incentive we should ever need to serve others.
When we donate blood at a blood drive, it is an act of service to those in need. When Jesus donated his blood on the cross, it was the one act of service that gives meaning to all the others.
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