There were two brothers. One was sick, very sick–and one was well. Because of the brothers' unwavering faith in the goodness and graciousness of Jesus, the brother who was well donated 2/3 of his liver to his very ill brother. It was a dangerous procedure, but one that the well brother (who, also was a husband and a father of 3 young boys) was willing to endure to see his brother restored to health and wholeness.
two brothers, bonded in truth and love
He was giving a vital piece of himself to see to the restoration of his brother. Isn't that the perfect picture of selfless love? Giving of yourself sacrificially to see to it that your brother or sister would return to wholeness? Honestly, that's the way I hope to live my life. Willing to sacrifice my comfort for the betterment of my brothers/sister, etc.
The well brother, Ryan, became unwell after the procedure to give his very ill brother, Chad, a renewed lease on life. He went to be with Jesus on August 2nd after slipping into a coma from complications with the procedure.
The bravery of not only Ryan Arnold but his wife Shannon astounds me. This image moves me to tears, because I see so much of my own life in this family Christmas photo. A happy couple and sweet, sweet boys. Those precious boys who will know the legacy of their father's selfless sacrificial love–it is a tragic, oh so unbelievably tragic, but ultimately redemptive story.
Such absolutely selfless and courageous love. It takes my breath away to think of what he gave his brother, but also what was taken from his wife and boys. Ultimately, though, this is a beautiful story that will undoubtedly strengthen the faith of many people. Even people who don't follow Christ will likely view this story as encouragement that there is still good in people.
Please Lord, let me be the kind of woman who does brave things. Please let me be the kind of woman who seeks to love more than I seek my own comfort. Lord, please grant me the courage to put myself out on a limb, willing to be used in any way. Let Ryan Arnold's life not be in vain, Lord, please bless Shannon and their boys…be with them now.