“Gift of Life (Blood)” by Jack Lindsey

Jack Lindsey is the current “Past-President” at Bethany. He has graciously agreed to share some of his past devotional writings on this site.

A note from Jack:

We certainly are not close to Valentine’s Day as referenced in this column, but the blood banks’ needs are a great or greater than ever during this epidemic …Gift of Life

“Just as the body cannot exist without blood, so the soul needs the matchless and pure strength of faith.” – Mahatma Gandhi

February has two noteworthy holidays, Washington’s (now President’s) Day and Valentine’s Day. Assuming we are all pretty much at our limits for politically related discussions, this column is instead focused on affairs of the heart – or more to the point, Valentine’s Day gift giving. Blood, that vital fluid that circulates life-giving oxygen, nutrients and other essentials is a gift you may not have considered.

Former Bethany member and Disciple Jerry Retzlaff inspired this month’s column when he wrote this recently: “The complexity of the human body boggles the mind. If you’ve studied biochemistry, you know that blood by itself is an amazing conglomeration of cells and plasma, chemicals, enzymes, proteins. With H2O, hemoglobin, hemeproteins, metalloproteins, glucose, coenzymes, cofactors, mineral ions, prosthetic groups – the myriad functions and workings (let alone the sight of blood) may make one faint.

“As humans, we share the bond of blood, yet (also) seek a spiritual connection. As Christians, the complex becomes perfect simplicity. We know that because of His undying love and amazing grace, we are saved and bonded by the innocent blood of our Lord and Savior!”

It is apparent that the importance of this particular gift has always been in our awareness as people. Some of the earliest archaeological evidence of formal burial by humans found that the mineral red ocher was used to give the deceased a semblance of vitality going into the unknown world of death. As Jerry notes, Christians see blood as a central element of not only life, but also salvation and gifting. Christ’s words to his disciples, to us, are about the gift. “… after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’” Luke 22:20

So, this Valentine’s Day month, consider a gift to those who are in such a condition that the lack of this very essence may deprive them of life. Organizations such as the Red Cross, Children’s Hospital, and Bonfils Blood Center can help with one-time giving, or even with establishing a regular donation. For more information, try this link: http://www.bonfils.org/

Peace and Health,
-JL