There is a Korean proverb that I learned as a child. Roughly translated, it says, “A tiger leaves its skin behind while a man leaves his name behind.” A tiger skin was very expensive and rare (and it still is) and served as a nice coat for winter. Thus, a tiger’s skin was considered its contribution to society. This saying was often quoted to challenge young people to live as a beneficial member of society, leaving a good reputation and legacy behind through achievements and successes.
Gone are the days, however, when a man could only leave his name behind! A few weeks ago, around the time of the 2nd anniversary of my brother James’ passing from a heart attack, our family received a letter from the Washington Regional Transplant Community. At the time of his death, we did not have to agonize over what to do with his body because James had already registered himself as an Organ Donor (as indicated by ’ Organ Donor’ on his driver’s license). Knowing what a caring person James was, we would have all agreed that he would gladly donate as much usable organs and tissue as possible anyway; nonetheless, we were thankful that we didn’t have to make the decision on his behalf and that we were able to honor his wish.
The letter from WRTC stated that James’ donation consisted of orthopedic tissues that were used for patients suffering from bone or spine disease/injuries and heart valves that benefited individuals with severe heart defects or heart disease. His gift of skin has enabled surgeons to perform reconstructive surgeries for severe burn victims. His donations have been distributed to 15 states including Maryland and Virginia. Though my beloved brother is no longer with us on this earth, it is somewhat comforting to know that parts of him are still ‘living.’ It is indeed bittersweet!
James lived a rather ordinary life. He’d been sick with diabetes for much of his adult life and did not achieve much success or fame by the standards of this world. He did not have much to leave behind for his family and friends. James’ gift of life, however, meant the world to the recipients of his organs and tissue. James certainly left more than his name behind. He literally left his skin and more so others could have another chance at life.
We as followers of Jesus Christ have already received the gift of eternal life and have been commissioned to live as salt and light of the world. One day God will call us home to live with Him in heaven forever with glorious new heavenly bodies. Thus in my opinion, we Christians should be the first ones to become organ donors for thousands of people whose only hope for life is to receive an organ or tissue transplant. How awesome it is to be able to practice “Love your neighbor as yourself” even at death! I understand this kind of matter is a personal decision and needs to be discussed with one’s family. I do encourage all of you, however, to talk about this important topic of organ donation with your loved ones. And as you share about life, death, and beyond, I pray you will each be overcome with incredible gratitude for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. He showed by example what it means to give the gift of life to others. Let us imitate Jesus Christ. Would you consider becoming an Organ Donor next time you apply for a driver’s license or a leaner’s permit?
From Pastor Sara’s Heart
September 8, 2013
Today’s sermon passage in Colossians 3 talks in part about the relationship between parent and child. It directs not only for the child to be obedient to the parent but also for the parent to be loving to the child. It’s a very challenging role for guys because we have to resist our natural male tendency to be authoritarian in relationships and instead work towards also being loving and not embittering and discouraging as a father (and husband) as the Scripture passage calls us to be. It takes a LOT of patience and wisdom for sure.
A couple years ago I was at Chick Fil-A with my son eating lunch. It’s always really busy there and sometimes we get there but leave because the lines are so long. So this time I commented on how busy it was and I also mentioned to him that probably the reason Chick-Fil-A is so busy is that it’s a Christian-owned franchise and that most people have a high opinion of Christians so they like to eat there. But then, in some lame attempt at fatherly wisdom I tried to make a point about humility and I said to him, “But you know son, Christians aren’t perfect. They’re not always nice.” Without skipping a beat he says to me, “Yeah like you, you’re not always nice.” (Ouch, and I was a seminary student no less at the time).
Out of the mouths of babes goes the saying. I guess I deserve that. Part of my testimony is that for the longest time I had been blind to certain anger issues that were destroying my relationship with my wife and son. It had only taken 40-plus years and 3 years of seminary for a stubborn knucklehead like me to overcome my tendency as a guy to go be impatient and harsh. I acted that way under the guise of strong disciplinarian parenting. I thought I was doing the right thing for my son. But what I now realize is that it was because I didn’t know any other way except the way my flawed human nature caused me to be. And it was definitely discouraging and embittering my son unfortunately.
Thank God for the miracle of healing and restoration in my life and gradually I’ve been emerging from that dark place towards the light. I’m not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. Once in a while I’ll ask my son how I’m doing nowadays as a Dad and he’ll describe me as being “yellish” because I still raise my voice at him from time to time. But I believe there are appropriate times to be “yellish” with him in order to reinforce good parenting. It’s just that now I have a pretty darn good relationship with him so he’s much more well-adjusted. So for you men (and women) out there, I hope for everyone’s sake that your relationship with the Lord and with others aren’t suffering to a point of regret like it was with me.
From Pastor Mark’s Heart
September 1, 2013