No Hearts for Sale

by: Chic Broersma

The heart is our thought factory, garden of our emotions, and wellspring of our desires and deeds. It’s worth guarding.

Molly worked at a nursing home. She resigned in protest to a regulation that forbid the staff from hugging residents. Molly said, “I won’t work where I can’t hug people!” The management reconsidered its position. Molly kept her job—and her heart.

Jon was denied entrance to the medical school of his choice. He was quite sure it was because of his anti-abortion views. He was accepted in another medical school and today has a flourishing pediatric practice—and one heart preserved.

Andy went to Zambia to help people. He became infected with a local disease and nearly died. Rather than complain, he wrote, “I’ve decided if you’re going to go to where the people live, you’ve got to be willing to get sick with their diseases.” Andy accepted responsibility for his decisions—and kept his heart.

How about you? Will you “keep your heart” as you choose and act today?