What is the first thing that you notice about a driver's license? The picture? The restrictions? Of course, those are some of the obvious choices, but now, I think the first thing I notice about licenses is, is the driver an organ donor?

According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, there are more than 97,800 candidates currently on a transplant waiting list for one or more organs as of December 1, 2007. The need for donated organs and tissue is desperate and much greater than what is actually available. Several people on those waiting lists will not survive long enough to be matched with their proper donated organ.

According to Donate Life America:

*An average of 18 people die each die each day from the lack of organs available for transplant

*Another name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list every 12 minutes

I encourage everyone to consider becoming an organ donor- people of all ages, with any medical histories can be potential donors. What should you know?

* Organs and tissues that can be donated include: heart, eyes (corneas), kidneys, lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, skin, tendons, bone, & heart valves.

*Organ donation has no adverse affects on the apearance of a body for a funeral or viewing.

*Many major religious groups have voiced their support for organ donations.

* Your wishes to donate organs have no adverse impact on the level of healthcare you might receive in a hospital-the hospital's number one priorit is to make you well!

Statistics from Donate Life America indicate that 90% of Americans say they support donation, but only 30% know the essential steps to take to become a donor. Most states allow you to elect to be an organ donor when you apply for or renew a state ID card or driver's license. Many other states offer alternate registration methods, also. One of the most important things you can do, though, is to be sure you indicate your wishes to your family members.

Visit Donate Life America at www. donatelife.net to get more information on organ donation and see how you can register in your state.

The most precious gift you could give someone might be the simplest gift you ever give. Besides, the way I see it, where I'm going I really won't need them anymore anyway.

"What does the Bible say about organ donation / donating blood?"

Obviously, since the Bible was written at a time when organ donation / donating blood was impossible, the Bible does not directly address this question. Therefore, since the Bible does not specifically say, I believe that a decision of this nature can only be made between a person, their family and God.

A person should prayerfully consider what God would have them to do in regards to donating their organs upon death (James 1:5; Philippians 4:6-7), or donating their blood to help others. If you feel led to donate your organs or give blood, then there is no reason you should not. Likewise, if you do not feel to perform either act, you should not feel guilty about it nor should you allow yourself to be coerced

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Matt 7:7)