An amazing – and perhaps unprecedented – story occurred in Philadelphia. Rob Fensermaker, a liquor store worker, said his boss gave him the “ultimate gift” when he decided to give him one of his kidneys.
The boss, Brian DeAngelis, stands alone in the world of supervision, where most of his peers can barely peep a simple “hello” or a “thank you.” Many managers struggle to give a word of encouragement or grant a day off. And it’s the rare boss who is genuinely concerned about a personal condition.
So, such a sacrifice of donating a bodily organ is startling.
But it seems that someone has actually one upped DeAngelis. Joshua Phipps, an employee at the Houston, Texas Methodist Hospital gave his boss a kidney. And he wasn’t looking for kudos, despite being called the “ultimate suck-up.”
His boss, Charlie Ward, was “stunned” by the offer, which shortened the normal multi-year wait to work his way to the top of the list. The donation saved four hours a day of dialysis.
”I told him several times, ‘You don’t have to do this,’ ” said Ward.
Indeed, he didn’t.
What would I do if my boss needed my kidney and I was a match? How would I base my decision? Would the Red Letters of Jesus break through my selfishness?
“Give to the person who asks you for something, and do not turn away from the person who wants to borrow something from you.”
Would I justify my indecision because I was overlooked, underappreciated, and underpaid?
“And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.”
What about that slight? That nasty thing he said to me? The way he embarrassed me.
“Whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well.”
What would you do?
Article and photo by High Calling Blogger, David Rupert, who blogs at Red Letter Believers.
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This truly is a nice example of walking on the second mile. I wish I knew this before, it certainly would have made it to the top of my 11 shortcuts to becoming a CEO over at Shrinking the Camel!
indeed, a very giving act.
hard to imagine going through this.
i am not sure what i would do, but, it surely makes me think.
I’m really appreciating this work-related series. I think this is a side of life that is largely neglected as we consider what it means to live crucified with Christ. I’ve never been in management, but as a former employee in a Christian organization, I know the dilemmas that can come through lack of communication, lack of respect between employers/employees. Even in a “Christian” setting, “professionalism” often negates the stated goal and God-focus when performance becomes the ultimate aim. No matter where we are, it’s so important to remember that those around us are people, and to recognize that thinking outside that professional “box” to give of ourselves to one another is our real calling.
Honestly…I would give my boss a kidney. I’ll be honest in saying I’ve had other bosses where I don’t think I would make the offer…but I’m very blessed with my current boss. Good Godly man who cares about his staff.
Kelly
It’s odd that in work environments….even Christian work environments…our ugly, sinful, carnal side comes out. Quickly!
The whole mission of The High Calling is to connect our faith to our workplace. Can you imagine if all professing Christians actually lived out their faith on the job?
David
http://www.redletterbelievers.com
To literally give a piece of oneself to help another live has nothing to do with being a boss or an employee but everything to do with being human.
Very often, we have different worlds we live in. One world is our faith. One world is our family. One world is our work. Bringing all of this into the same world is what the High Calling is all about.
Should we bring the teachings of Christ into our everyday work world? Yes.
Now, how are we going to do it.
As Kelly said, even in a Christian work environment, Christians struggle.
That says it all!
David
http://www.redletterbelievers.com
Its awesome. I can’t even decide now. I think I might.
Its funny…when Jesus spoke about going the extra mile He related it to an oppressive practice in His day. The practice originated with the Persian government under the rule of King Cyrus. Under this custom the king’s messengers had power to take horses, camels, and men into service against their will. In fact, couriers or messengers were often staged in specific locations by the king; if a man were to pass this post an official could rush out and “compel” him into service. This custom was then adopted by the Roman government. Simone of Cyrene was “compelled” into helping Jesus with His cross, when the weight became too heavy.
Rather than quarrel and complain about this oppressive treatment, Jesus advises us to do otherwise. He not only advises us to comply with the request but to exceed expectations in a spirit of love and service.
So its funny when we complain about going the extra mile by staying a few hours for work…
This is an awesome post!!