Give Me Your Blood

I recently found myself attending school in West Palm, which is a whole blog story in and of itself, but in order for this to make sense, I just need to get that little bit of information out of the way.

Anyway... classes started about three weeks ago. It's been an easier transition than I thought it would be, but occasionally I have those, "huh... didn't expect that one" moments.

For instance...

Yesterday and today, a bloodmobile has been parked right outside the cafeteria. You can tell these people have it figured out. Pretty much everyone has to walk by at some point or another, whether to get to class or to eat. They have volunteers holding signs, and even very bold volunteers that ask you point blank if you'd like to give blood. I've never given blood.

There I said it.

Normally I've found these people pretty easy to avoid. I know that sounds terrible, but I have never had a really good excuse to not give blood. I just never wanted to. But does anybody?

Here and there I've passed by a class mate with the blue bandage on their elbow. You know what? Good for them! It must be very difficult to convince a bunch of college students to kiss some of their hemoglobin goodbye.

In fact, I'm starting to notice how hard it is. Especially since I've been one of the stubborn ones who has never given blood. There, I said it again. Pretty much every main bulletin board around campus has an entry for this special event. They even have a DJ out there who, by the time this is over, will have been out there for a total of 24 hours, basically begging students to step inside the van. I'm wondering when they'll just victimize an innocent bystander and shove him in.

They practically bribe the students..."Free pizza, free t-shirt, one community service hour, AND enter into a drawing for movie tickets!" Not a bad deal, actually. So why is it so difficult?

I don't know how many times (a lot, though) that when talking with a girlfriend and this subject comes up, she says "I can't . I just can't." Usually it's the whole needle thing. "Just can't do needles." Or she can't bear the sight of blood. Or she will most definitely faint. Whatever way, she can't.

I don't particularly like needles. They do hurt. But I know what hurts even more...

A little over a year ago, a close friend of mine underwent a traumatic life-threatening experience; blood, or lack there of, being the main concern. Her experience brought our entire church to our knees, lifting her up in prayer and holding our breath to see if she would survive. By the grace of God, she is alive and well today, and I believe that it is in large part to those who were brave enough to step inside those bloodmobiles. It all happened so fast, but because people were willing, blood transfusions were ready and accessible.

All of that to say, while it's almost humorous what people go through to get others to donate blood and the excuses that some people come up with to avoid the slight pinch (myself included), it is a very serious situation, and I have great respect for those who volunteer both their time and their blood to literally save other people's lives. Perhaps one day I will be that brave. After all, a very special Person's blood was given to save my life.