Synonyms for the work MARK include the following>>

Imprint

Record

Scar

Signature

Brand

Bruise

Autograph

Representation

Trademark

Label

How do we make our Mark?

I find it interesting that we automatically think of things such as scars or bruises when we think of that which can make our mark. Can we view that part of our identity as potential for growth? Change? Good?

That was the challenge I was given last June when I had my hair shaved for the 2nd time in preparation for my Deep Brain Stimulator to be put in. Never in my dreams did I plan to be needing a Medical Alert ID of any sort but that's where I found myself. I sat in my hospital bed gawking at the pamphlets the nurse gave me...

Really?! The options online didn't get much better; gold plated, barbie purple, and expensive!! I put it off month after month because I just didn't want to order one. Finally, my husband lovingly told me it was time so I went to my friend Becky at her Farmgirlpaints Etsy shop to see if there was any way she could make cuffs that had the Medical Alert Symbol on them. She said YES!

I need to tell you about this because it doesn't just affect me-it may affect many of YOU and we have a chance to re-write the label. We are not just people "with" this or that disease or disability. We are individuals with unique gifts and abilities. So this is NOT just about beautiful cuffs that carry valuable medical information for me. It's about identity. Who we are is not just on our label at the drugstore, our medical records or on our medical alerts; those are just tools in our toolbox that can equip us to reach out and make beautiful things happen in our spheres of influence.

You might be thinking...ok I get it, you have a computer in your body, of course you need a medical cuff. Do I? Here's who American Medical ID.com says should wear an ID::

Food, Drug or Insect allergies
Cardiac problems (angina,arrhythmias,atrial fibrillation,pacemakers)
Pulmonary Conditions(Asthma/COPD)
Kidney Failure
Diabetes, blood disorders
Alzheimer's/Memory Impairment
Blood thinners/ Anticoagulants (Coumadin/Warfarin)
Emphysema/Breathing disorders
Rare diseases
Epilepsy/Seizure disorder
Hearing, sight or mentally impaired
Surgery, transplant and cancer patients
Clinical trial participants
Special needs children
Hypertension
Stroke risk
Sickle Cell Anemia
People taking multiple medicines
Anemia
Tourette Syndrome

Does it even matter?

American Medical ID recently surveyed emergency medical professionals ranging from first responders to paramedics. Among the results:

More than 95 percent of respondents look for a medical ID during emergencies.
More than 75 percent look for a medical ID immediately upon assessing a patient.
95 percent look at the patient's wrist to find a medical ID, and 68 percent look for an ID on the patient's neck. *http://www.americanmedical-id.com/about_us/frequent.php

The cuff on top was given to me as a gift from my sister when I went in for surgery and I love it so much that I went back to Becky's shop for my ID cuff. I am thrilled to help spur you on to getting your Medical Alert ID too and give you a coupon to use on your very own cuff from Farmgirlpaints!

{{Please use the code "MedicalAlert15" to receive 15% off your purchase. This is a 5 day open so coupon

ENDS 2/6/15}}

May these physical labels we wear be reminders for us...

We are so much more than flesh and bones. We carry purpose within our deepest hurts and sometimes we have to remember the hurt to know exactly how to reach out and unveil the beauty waiting to thrive and be pulled away from the dark matter.

Blessings,

-CW

Read The Bible With Me>>

Ephesians 2:10Amplified Bible (AMP)

10 For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [a]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

Romans 5:3-6 Amplified Bible (AMP)

3 Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.

4 And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of [c]character (approved faith and [d]tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] [e] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.

5 Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.

6 While we were yet in weakness [powerless to help ourselves], at the fitting time Christ died for (in behalf of) the ungodly.