Posts Tagged ‘Ryan Arnold’

Vive Fidons

Posted: November 17, 2010 in Life
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Vive Fidons

Powerful words. Two words that can be looked at as a command, a mission or a lifelong vision statement.

Vive Fidons

Words that can haunt or inspire when faced with impossible challenges or mundane daily living. Words that can cause you to live to the fullest: or at least make the attempt.

Vive Fidons are the words tattooed on the arm of one of the Arnold brothers – it means “Live Courageously”. These tatooed words are the reason I am writing these thoughts today.

In everyday life, what does it mean to live courageously? As a parent, a husband, a wife, an employee, a student, a teacher, a priest, a soldier, a citizen…How do we live a courageous life? I have my own ideas and concepts of what it means to live courageously. But my own ideas seem insignificant when I witness someone wrestling with life in a way I can’t comprehend or I see someone who gave their life away…courageously.

The story of Chad and Ryan Arnold continues to haunt me, challenge me, provoke me, break me.

Ryan donated part of his liver so his brother Chad could live. Then, Ryan passed away. And Chad lives on…attempting to “Live Courageously”. I read his blogs often. Why? Because Chad’s honesty about his journey is strangely refreshing, compelling and blunt. Honestly, I grow weary of hearing empty words from people who have developed life concepts and beliefs in faith, but have never truly been challenged. When, I read of the honest journey, thoughts and struggles Chad and his family are wrestling with, I want to live courageously. Why? Because, though his questions are many and the answers are few, Chad continues to have faith in God.

That is faith that is real and compels me to cry out “VIVE FIDONS”! Live Courageously.

If you want to see a picture of real life, real struggle, real faith…check Chad’s blog and read for yourself.

Vive Fidons.

http://cometoofar.com

Give it away…

Posted: August 4, 2010 in Life
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RYAN ARNOLD

I hear a lot of talk about giving our lives away. People have many causes and agendas that cry out for full commitment: giving of yourself selflessly for the sake of others. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I would say that I embrace this type of call.

I believe in living for something greater than yourself. Treating others the way you want to be treated. Nevertheless, it is easy to live life for ourselves.

But in the end…the question does have to be asked… “What did I do that mattered?” Tough question: one that I do not always want to ask myself. Much less, one I want to answer.

At times, life seems meaningful and I feel that I understand what it means to “give my life away.” Then, I hear a story. Not just any story, but a story of someone who truly gives away their life for the sake of someone else.

Just this last week, a young man by the name of Chad Arnold had gone into the final stages of liver disease. His life was coming to an end. Then, his brother Ryan decided to do something heroic. He decided to give 2/3 of his liver in order to save his brother’s life. The operation went well and was a success. Chad is in recovery and it appears his life has been saved.

However, Ryan…well, He is now in Heaven. He gave his life for his brother.

My heart is broken for the family. Moreover, I am crying out prayers from deep within for God to fill them with the peace and grace for this season that only He can bring.

At the same time, I am personally filled with some shame and conviction. I feel ashamed that I have ever acted as if I know what it means to give my life away. I am convicted that I too often choose my own comfort over the inconvenience of giving of myself.

Ryan, your life…your sacrifice is already affecting the lives of many. Your sacrifice is causing me to reassess my life, my choices and the time I have left on this earth.

Lord, be with Chad and the rest of the family.

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.caringbridge.org%2Fvisit%2Fryanandchadarnold&h=f6b38