It's in you to give

As I look over the initial posts, it would appear that there is a thread of self-indulgence, or self-recognition.  This is certainly not my intention for it is God who has birthed and nurtured every good work in me.

Obviously, it would be impossible to share my experiences, thoughts, and frustrations without myself being a large part of the content.  For certain this forum has helped to keep me accountable and  spurred me on to good works, adding a little extra motivation for me to step out.  In Matthew 5:16 Jesus is recorded as saying "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." If the sharing of any of my experiences, challenges, struggles, or victories through Christ, inspire or motivate others in even the smallest of ways to love God and others more, than it is has fulfilled a greater purpose.

The year has only just begun, as I become more comfortable with the vulnerability required to lay out my life online, the ugliness of my struggles will soon rear its head.  Authenticity is integral to growth, so I am committed to share the bad with the good. In truth I am not who I was, but I am not yet who I want to be either.

"Here's a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I'm proof—Public Sinner Number One—of someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy. And now he shows me off—evidence of his endless patience—to those who are right on the edge of trusting Him forever" 1 Timothy 1:14-16

This morning, I am swabbing the four quadrants of my inner cheek and mailing off my bucal swabs for the bone marrow registry.  I had applied to be a bone marrow donor a couple years ago and had received the kit, but it had gotten damaged. I applied again and received a new one in the mail, last week and am mailing it off today.

While I understand the risks and recognize it is not the most pleasant experience to undergo, it is at the same time, a simple way to give to others, an opportunity to save a life. I love the Canadian Blood Services motto "It's in you to give."  All that we have, we have been given by the grace of God. We live in a world of excess.  We have so much, that we need to rent storage space to keep our excess.  What we have, we have to give, our time, our talents, our money, our marrow, ourselves. "...remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35

One Match Stem Cell and Marrow Network is responsible for finding and matching volunteer donors for patients who require stem cell transplants. Fewer than 30 per cent of patients who need stem cell transplants find a compatible donor within their own families. The rest rely on those who have volunteered to donate stem cells to anyone in need.  I understand that bone marrow donation is not for everyone but If you are interested in more information on becoming a bone marrow donor or would like to request a donor kit check out their website here: ONE MATCH