Have you ever wondered what Jesus’ blood type was? Do you know what your blood type is?

The first time I remember donating blood was when I was in college. One of the incentives for donating blood was finding out what your blood type is. I had never known what mine was, so I signed up. 

I’ve never been particularly fond of needles, but the donating process went fairly smoothly. There were snacks afterwards, along with the good feeling of possibly having helped save someone else’s life. 

Since that time, I’ve gone on to give blood many times. I can’t count how many t-shirts or other little gifts I’ve received for donating. The incentives are nice, but I’ve come to see giving blood more as an aspect of my discipleship. It’s become a way for me to “paying forward” Jesus’ sacrifice - his blood donation - for us. It’s an opportunity to do for others what Jesus has done for us. 

Not everyone is able to donate blood, for a variety of reasons. And there have been times when I have had to take a break from giving blood because of low iron. Check with your health care provider if you have any questions about your doing this. 

But if you are able to give blood, I would invite you to consider donating when the Blood Assurance bloodmobile will be at the church on Sunday, July 26, from 9-2. You can sign up at https://donor.bloodassurance.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/181171 or by calling the church office at 423-886-2330. There’s a $25 e-gift card for all donors, along with the good feeling of giving back. 

It will be a special morning of music in worship that day for our combined service at 10. The music will surely get your toes tapping and your blood pumping, so it will be a perfect time to share the gift of life. 

By the way, I learned that my blood type is O-negative, which is the universal type, which means anyone, with blood of any type, can receive my type of blood. 

I don’t know - this hasn’t been historically verified - but I like to think Jesus was O-negative, too. After all, absolutely anyone and everyone can be covered through the blood of the cross. 

Thanks be to God!