Universal Donor

            I began giving blood when I was a freshman in college. I was taking college algebra and not going very well. In order to help our grades, the teacher offered extra points to any one in the class who gave blood. I was barely passing and I would do anything to make a good grade, or at least a passing grade. I did indeed give my first pint of blood and because of the few extra points, I passed the math class.

I continued to give blood over the years and when I found out my blood type, I was even more motivated to donate. My blood type is “O” negative, which means any blood type can receive my blood when a transfusion is needed. I am considered a “universal donor” because of this fact. It is also a fact that one pint of blood can save up to three lives.

Our church is always trying to do things to help the community and several years ago, we started having blood drives to build up the blood bank in our area. Our first blood drive was actually held in honor of one of our church members who had recently passed away from cancer and he was a strong advocate of blood donation.

I don’t think it was planned, but our church advertised its latest blood drive around Easter. No Christian should ever think of donating blood without remembering the sacrifice of Jesus’ blood on the cross. Not only was Jesus’ blood shed for all sins, but His sacrifice was made even more powerful in that His blood covers all people. Jesus Christ was and is the ultimate “Universal Donor.”

 

But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

I John 1:7

 

 

Belinda McKeel © 2008