Blood donation is one of the many requests made of each of us in order to help out those who are in the midst of an emergency. In many cases, the life saving work of a surgery or other procedure would be impossible without donated blood, especially for those with rare blood types. Because of this need, groups exist to collect donated blood and systems are in place to assure that it is distributed to those who need it.
There is an expression that is commonly used, saying that someone “has the weight of the world on their shoulders.” This expression conveys the idea of someone so weighed down with great concerns it is an almost overwhelming burden. It is possible that this expression came from the ancient Greek mythological story of Atlas, who (depending on the account) was bound to carry the world, the sky, or the heavens on his shoulders.
The pursuit of knowledge has been an endeavor of mankind with varied levels of intensity throughout all of history. The idea of “progress” through discovery has led to many inventions that have benefited mankind with comforts, increased life expectancy and health, and an expansion of our understanding of the world and universe. However, it is important to consider that all that man discovers is already known to the Creator of all, God.
A common theme of history, and of the great stories which have been passed down through generations, centers on heroes and their exploits. These heroes accomplish great deeds and exhibit the quality of great bravery. This bravery is often seen in the face of dangerous enemies or even great beasts, commonly a choice to face impossible odds and to turn aside from the temptation of fear.
Over the last few hundred years, a term has become common within “religious studies” describing faith: The Leap of Faith. This idea describes faith in God as being a passive act, without proof or knowledge, required by man in order to receive the blessings of God. This leap is simply that – a jump into the spiritually “unknown”, trusting that God will take care of the rest. While the concept of grace involves receiving an unearned gift, and a trust in God through obedience to grant that gift, the idea of a leap of faith is Biblically incorrect.