Saved By Blood (Twice)

Many critics call the Christian faith a “bloody religion,” and honestly, I understand why. Scripture tells us that life is in the blood. Throughout the Old Testament, the spilled blood of sacrificial animals pointed forward to the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. As Christians, we remember this every time we take communion and reflect on the body and blood of Jesus.

In March 2024, that truth became deeply personal for me. I suffered a massive GI bleed. For days the source couldn’t be found. I was in septic shock, fighting to stay alive, and ultimately received more than 40 units of blood and multiple platelets. Simply put: without blood donors, I would not be here today.

While many people were praying for my life, strangers I will never meet had already made a decision that saved it. At some point they walked into a Red Cross center and donated blood. Their generosity became my miracle.

The American Red Cross exists to prevent and alleviate human suffering in emergencies by mobilizing volunteers and donors. Today I’m asking you to be one of those donors. Please take a moment to schedule a blood donation. Someone’s life — like mine — may depend on it.

There’s an old hymn that says, “Saved by the blood.” I believe that more than ever.

Schedule a time. Donate. Help save a life.

Blessings to you,

The Thankful Leper (AKA Mike Oliver)