An Iron Fist or A Golden Arm

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This morning in my news wrap up email I read about two different men. One gave a speech to accolades on one side and scowls/ heckling on the other. The promises of a thriving country through control, dismantling, threats and hate speech. I could say more, but I digress. 

The other man I read about was James Harrison, an Aussie who recently died at the age of 88. I can’t tell you a thing about his political swayings. No promises to save the world or take Australia back to a golden age, but he IS known as The Man with the Golden Arm. In the years from 1954-2018, Mr. Harrison donated his blood and plasma, which contained a rare antibody called Anti-D. He is credited with saving 2.4 MILLION babies. Twice a week, for over 50 years he gave the gift of his blood. 

I was thinking about how much time this added up to, sitting in the chair or reclined on the table, hooked up and just giving what was given to you, to save lives. No crowds, no news conferences, no golden statues or requests for recognition. Just a man multiplying a small but precious gift, week after week, year after year, decade after decade. 

An Iron Fist or a Golden Arm? Both men’s bodies will return to dust as I am reminded on this Ash Wednesday. Mine too. Leaving more than legacies and stories behind, Mr. Harrison leaves 50+ years of lives, coursing with his blood. 

Who was the good neighbor? Who did the most good? Who showed mercy? 

What small gift can we offer up faithfully over time like Mr. Harrison in the work of mercy? 

What might we let go of for a time, to open the iron fists of selfishness and give way to golden arms of life and mercy?

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