Three Birthdays Later
My blood impacted my outcome.
Three years ago, in February of 2023, I needed blood. My body would be wiped of the good and the bad flooding my body. My previously harvested stem cells would be transplanted back into my body to promote healing and bounce back from cancer’s curse. The hospital staff that cares for this approximately month-long, inpatient process celebrates the stem cells giving the patient a last resort chance at a cure free of cancer. The care team goes the extra mile to even make this special day a new birthday. Lucky for patients it puts a pep in their nurse’s step. Nurses that fight for patients on the oncology floor spend this entire time bedside with birthday treats in tow and pure excitement.
For those of you who have been around, you probably remember my harsh, sarcasm regarding this topic. In dramatic fashion, I compared my stem cell age to dog years. Can you believe this week I turn 3? Well that’s not what I celebrate, but you’ll want to be sure to check it out HERE.
I’m grateful my stem cells are three years old, but I was saved by someone’s blood.
I celebrate the source. God’s power permeated all the equipment, technology, medical professionals, and my village to go on and make healing an open door for me to walk through.
Yet, my blood is not going to seal my eternity and transform my days. It’s the blood of Jesus — God’s perfect gift of love that regenerates me, transforms my life, bridges the gap between Earth and Heaven, and heals my body, mind, and soul. It is only by his blood that we have a new life— free, forgiven, redeemed, and only through God’s love. He sent Jesus to die for our sins.
My blood was pricey, but His blood was free. Friends, Jesus' blood was shed for all of us.
Blood that impacts all of God's creation.
Blood that changes our forever address.
Blood freely given at no cost to us.
This blood is available to us now. Adoring His power, believing Jesus died for our sins, and choosing to live for him transforms our life now and makes a place for us with Jesus in Heaven (my blood definitely couldn’t do that).
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
Join me in turning our praise to our Heavenly Father who freely gives us our everyday gold—the things of this world that can’t be bought.
Friend’s, we will never be satisfied by the luxuries of the world we live in.
Days before I was diagnosed with cancer, I dreamed of growing old. Having jumped all the hurdles living those golden years. Now, I’m embracing the gift of everyday gold. The things freely given to me by God’s perfect love.
Let’s fix our eyes on the free gifts of everyday gold we are blessed with all day, every day.
On that new, third birthday, three years ago, I intentionally remembered my true second birthday. The one where I became a part of the family of God. The birthday I recognized my life was not my own.
Let’s get you that freely given birthday–the one where you are adopted into God’s family.
