I will never forget both days of my son’s open heart surgeries. So many emotions, conversations, thoughts–information overload. One of the most memorable moments for me while waiting anxiously for hours was when the nurse brought out a blood donation tag with a name on it. This was the blood that was used for Jace, the blood that was a match. Our son happens to have AB+ blood, which is the universal receiver… pretty amazing. Thank you Jesus! It was really special to us to know whose blood was used for Jace. Donated blood was vital for his surgeries. The first surgery, my sister in law’s blood was used for Jace. My brother was so disappointed because he had tried to donate blood but he got sick so he had to call the blood bank and have them pull out his sample. Prior to Jace’s second surgery, my brother donated blood but then Jace got sick and his surgery was postponed another month. My brother really loves to help and he wanted Jace to have his blood. This is why it was so memorable when the nurse came out a few hours after they took Jace back for surgery and brought me the tag with my brother’s name on it. I couldn’t help but cry. Turns out they can keep blood longer than I thought! I called my brother and he was so happy and surprised. When I think of this story, I can’t help but think of how much Jesus loves me and wants to give his blood to save me. Just as my brother was so happy for Jace to have his blood, Jesus is so happy when we surrender to him and his blood is used to clean us from our sins. My own tag would have Jesus’ name on it, since he’s the one whose blood saved me.

Ephesians 1:7-8

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. “