The Gift of Second Chances

Who doesn’t want a do-over?

American humorist Will Rogers is credited with saying,

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

Sports teams and players often wish they could undo the big mistake that cost them the game. Even with instant replay, they seldom get a “do-over.”

Life presents most of us with numerous opportunities to try again for success. In a way, the start of every year and even every day is a new beginning—a second chance. In the Weight Watchers program, we are told if you mess up your food choices one day, start fresh the next and get back on tract.

What life events produce the opportunity for a second chance? They are very stressful and change life in an instant. 

• ·       Loss of a loved one, job, or relationship
• ·       Traumatic event, accident, or natural disaster
• ·       A health crisis
• ·       Failure or defeat

  What do we do when life deals us a body blow that takes the wind out of our sails?

The American Psychological Association explains the importance of resilience in recovering from stressful situations. “Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress—such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems or workplace and financial stressors. It means "bouncing back" from difficult experiences. Research has shown that resilience is ordinary, not extraordinary. People commonly demonstrate resilience. One example is the response of many Americans to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and individuals' efforts to rebuild their lives.”

Many non-fiction books and movies are written about people who overcome major adversity and develop the skills necessary to move on with their lives. Sometimes you have to experience the worst to appreciate the best.

The ultimate “do-over” or second chance is laid out in the third chapter of the Gospel of John. The process of being “born from above” transforms a person and gives them the ability to see the world through spiritual eyes and grants a believer eternal life. John 3:6-7

April is National Donate Life Month which recognizes and celebrates organ donation. The selfless act of organ donation provides second chances for recipients who would otherwise die from organ failure.

 I spoke this week at a Christian Women’s Connection luncheon with the theme, “Second Chances.”  They promoted the importance of organ donation and I presented my story and testimony—“Three Amazing Gifts and a Second Chance at Life.”

My speech was inspired by my memoir which many of you have read. My book makes a great gift for someone dealing with difficult times.

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Born Three Times—A New Life, A New Liver, A New Love

Until 4/30/17, I am selling signed copies of my book for $13 each (includes US postage.)  Send an email to friedasdixon@gmail.com. A stamped, addressed envelope will be enclosed for your payment convenience.

Comment on my blog below and tell me about your gift of second chances.

No Greater Love

During this month of April, I want to recognize all the heroic families who donate life. Sixteen years ago my sister, Audrey, and I received transplanted livers from unknown donors. We have each been blessed with  additional years to celebrate life with family and friends. Not everyone is so fortunate. I recently joined an international Facebook support group for people with liver disease called “Live, Laugh, and Love Your Liver.” Reading about the triumphs and struggles of others who are so sick pre-transplant and, in many cases, post-transplant I am amazed that we have done so well. 

Heart of Gold Rose
honors donor families

Many ground breaking scientific advances are being made in the field of organ donation. Two recent articles on FoxNews.com caught my attention. There is an increase in living donor transplants where the donor gives a portion of their liver to the recipient. The risk of organ failure for both the donor and the recipient can be very high and long-term complications are possible. For this reason the living donors must go through three days of intensive physical and mental screening before being accepted.  If all goes as planned, a half of the healthy liver replaces the diseased liver. Within four to six weeks the donor’s liver will regenerate to 80 to 90 percent of its original size and the donated half will increase in size and restore liver function in the recipient. Except for some ugly scars and livelong immune suppressing drugs for the recipient, both persons have the potential to live normal lives.

I am also excited to learn that scientists are now transforming human skin cells into mature, fully functioning liver cells. The skin cells are regenerated, using a specific cocktail of reprogramming genes and chemical compounds. The hope for the future is that these healthy cells can be inserted into livers to grow and crowd out the diseased cells. Perhaps in future generations, scientists can grow fully functioning livers, thus completely eliminating the need for donor transplants. 

Medical science has come a long way in the sixteen years since my transplant. I continue to pray for the family who made my organ donation possible. A Bible verse from John 15:13 sums it up for me. “Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (NIV translation)

I am also reminded during this Easter week of an even greater gift—the ultimate life giving gift—when Jesus the Christ lay down His life for our salvation. No greater love!!

My book "Born Three Times: A New Life, A New Liver, A New Love" recounts how I received three amazing gifts and a second chance at life.  It's available from Amazon.com in print and ebook formats.

My book "Born Three Times: A New Life, A New Liver, A New Love" tells how I received three amazing gifts and a second chance at life.  Available at Amazon.com in soft and ebook