Disciple of the Week Reflection: Marlene Lynne

Reflection from Marlene Lynne
After retiring from Mayo Clinic, I began volunteering at the Gift of Life Transplant House (GOL), where I give tours to prospective guests. GOL provides affordable, temporary housing for transplant recipients and organ donors. Following surgery, patients are often required to remain nearby for continued treatment and monitoring—a recovery that can last weeks or even months. For many recipients and their families, this extended stay creates immense financial hardship. It quickly became clear to me that The Transplant House not only eases that financial burden but also provides a safe haven and built-in support system for both guests and their caregivers.
 
I was honored to present GSC’s donation to the Executive Director, who shared that it would go into the Susan Powers Helping Hands Fund. Much like Pastor Carl-Eric’s discretionary fund, this fund assists guests who cannot afford even the reduced cost of $30 per night. Thanks to the generosity of GSC members, eleven nights of lodging will be provided for someone in need—a gift of rest and relief during a very difficult time.
 
During my career in the medical community—working in the departments of Surgery and Physical Medicine Rehabilitation—I wasn’t a high-powered executive or brain surgeon, but I was privileged to provide care and service to patients. Rarely did a day go by when I didn’t feel, in some small way, that I had helped make someone’s life a little easier, less stressful, or more hopeful. Volunteering at the Transplant House allows me to continue that work with empathy and compassion, following Christ’s example. In serving others, I find that my own soul is nourished and sustained.
 
Prayer
God of immeasurable abundance, We give you thanks for the bountiful gifts you shower upon us. Gather us into the depths of your grace so that we may dwell in the love of Christ. Empower us to use these gifts to heal the sick, to feed the hungry, and build the church so all may experience the fullness of Christ’s love. Send us to the heights of joy as we serve others so that the mountains and the hills shall sing before you, and the trees shall clap their hands. To you be given honor, praise, and glory, now and forever. Amen.