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We needed a miracle, an enormous sacrifice given by someone else, or Martin, the man I had waited so long to marry, would die. This wasn't the first time that my plans for life and the Lord's plans for my life didn't match. Instead of getting married at nineteen like I'd expected, I found myself with a career I had never wanted and didn't find my husband until I was in my thirties. Now, less than fourteen years later, my husband's life was threatened. Sometimes it's hard to trust the Lord's plans for me. For years, Martin had suffered from an unknown illness that devastated our family, finances, and future. When he received a diagnosis of kidney failure, it came with the promise of imminent death if he didn't receive a transplant. Though I'm terrified of needles, blood, hospitals, and all things medical, I donated my kidney to save my husband's life. During the agonizing months of his dialysis and my compatibility testing, we were amazed at the numerous ways the Savior's life and mission mirrored our experiences. To cite two examples, just as Martin's life could only be saved by the sacrifice of someone else, our own lives are only saved by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. An organ donor is required to be enough like the recipient yet physically able to donate, just as Jesus Christ had to be both like us and be a God in order to accomplish the atonement. By looking at these experiences as a reflection of Jesus Christ, I grew to love Him more. By loving Him more, I trusted Him more. By trusting Him more, I have found that my life is happier and more peaceful. Though my story is unique, the ability to find the Savior in our every-day lives is common. In sharing our experiences and insights, I hope others can find greater trust in Jesus Christ and His plans for them.
Michelle Dennis Christensen is a kidney donor, award-winning author, speaker, avid family historian, and chocolate lover. She is passionate about shining a spotlight on the Savior to share His love and light with others. Michelle loves the scriptures and any symbolism that teaches about Jesus Christ. She thinks that a Gospel Doctrine teacher is the best calling ever and likes to share gospel principles in an approachable, applicable manner. Michelle received a Master's in Organizational Behavior from Brigham Young University. When in her early thirties, she married Martin Christensen, a widower with four children, and she left her career to be their mother. She and Martin were blessed to have two children together, and Michelle is grateful and humbled that all six children call her "Mom." Michelle is published in two non-fiction anthologies, From Ashes: An Inspirational Non-Fiction Anthology and Watch Over, Lift, and Strengthen. Mirrors of Jesus: Finding Parallels to Christ in Our Lives is her first book. She enjoys turning real-life events and family history stories into inspirational narrative accounts.
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