A Response To Soul Nugget From 11/8 (11/9)

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” [1 Corinthians 3:16]

I received this response to Soul Nugget from yesterday: “Don’t take your organs to heaven, God knows we need them here.” The response is below and I thought it was appropriate that I share it with you:

“My husband died waiting for a heart and a lung transplant. I spoke for the transplant organization in Norfolk, Virginia for the years between 1997 and 2006. To help people to decide to donate, even if it is just the eyes it can help people to see. Life Net is a wonderful organization. My son-in-law’s father celebrated his transplant birthday of 14 years in September. A friend in Norfolk, VA has had 3 kidney transplants. A friend in Texas got a kidney after a 2-year wait. These people are glad to be alive. This is a topic that touches a lot of people. Please ask people to pray about it and donate. It makes a meaningful use of your body parts you no longer need. When you are in the casket, nobody knows what part of you is missing – even eyes – you can’t tell by looking.”

Music for your time of morning prayer and reflection.

Bless to me O God, the earth beneath my feet
Bless to me O God, the path on which I go
Bless to me O God, the people whom I meet
O God of Sea and Sky, bless to my life –
As it was, as it is, and as it shall be evermore.
Amen

Let your heart take courage!

We are all sparks of the Divine Flame
Blessed Be
Compassionate Be
Boldly Be

Don’t Take Your Organs To Heaven (11/8)

Better to Have and Not Need Than to Need and Not Have

These words were on a huge sign that I passed everyday on the way to school. This is a “Teach us to number our days” message. We all know that some day we shall die, so have we made all the necessary plans and arrangements?

Wills, Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, Executors, DNR, etc. Express your wishes. Death with Dignity.

Memorial Service – It is far easier for you to express your wishes in writing, than for grieving family members to guess at what you might have wanted. Think hymns, scripture readings, poetry, special music, location, people you want to lead the service and people you want to speak and participate. Express also what you do not want! Your thoughtful planning ahead can save loved ones a lot of anguish. Put all of this in writing and give to the appropriate people. This is the thoughtful adult thing to do.

Finally, about your body. Burial? Cremation? Organ donation? My college, Miami University of Oxford, Ohio, just published an article about Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz, a transplant surgeon. His words: “The real heroes are the people signing the back of their driver’s license to donate organs, and the families who make those hard decisions at the time of someone’s death.” Research all the possibilities. Make it clear exactly what you want. This is good stewardship. This is generosity. You can make a huge difference in the lives of others.

“Don’t take your organs to heaven. Heaven knows we need them here.”

Knowing that we too shall die, how then shall we live?

O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world lies hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in thy mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen.

Be conscious, compassionate, courageous, celebrate life.

We are all sparks of the Divine Flame
Blessed Be
Compassionate Be
Boldly Be