“God didn’t send his Son into the world to condemn its
people, but to save them!” ~
John 3:17
Josh and Craig have a connection
that even the closest friends don't often have.
Josh, once a college athlete, enjoyed the benefits of a full
football scholarship at a major university.
After an improbable victory in the conference championship, he and his
teammates partied for several hours. He
was in no condition to drive home – but alcohol has a way of making one feel
invincible.
A Dallas native, Craig was a business major at a local
college. He loved sports and girls, a
good mixture for a guy who was athletic and already had modeling contracts in
Dallas and NYC. After suffering fatigue
and swelling in his legs, he made an appointment with a nephrologist who
diagnosed chronic kidney disease. Craig
still had 75 percent kidney function and was told that with medication, improved
diet and regular exercise, he wouldn’t need dialysis for 10-15 years.
December 14th changed everything for both of
them. Just five minutes from the safety
of his apartment, Josh’s truck hydroplaned and crashed head-on into Craig’s Ford
Fiesta.
The accident caused extensive damage to Craig’s
already-diseased kidney; an injury that placed him on the kidney transplant
list instantly. Other injuries left him permanently
paralyzed, unable to dress or feed himself . . . or go to the bathroom
alone. One night he found himself
trapped under the covers in his bed, unable to move when he was too hot or
cold. Once fiercely independent, he was
forced to rely on others for everything.
Josh pleaded guilty to a charge of ‘intoxication assault’
and was placed on probation for 7 years.
His goal of becoming a football coach vanished when he was again
arrested for drinking and driving. His
probation violation landed him in prison for 26 months; plenty of time to pray,
to heal, to try and make things right. Through
it all, Josh discovered a new calling.
When he learned of Craig’s fate, he made arrangements from
his prison cell to donate a much needed kidney.
Free now after months of incarceration, he talks about his experiences
to teenagers all over the country. He
entertains. He warns. He coaches.
Craig is still a model – a role model. He too speaks publicly. His inspiration draws people to his radiant
smile, his quick wit, and a powerful message to never, ever give up. “Happiness,” he will tell you, “is a choice
for every one of us!” Despite his
laundry list of challenges, he loves his life.
Since the crash, both men have embraced their new mission in
life – to tell everyone they can about choices, consequences, and the
preventable dangers of drinking and driving.
Forgiving God, I know of Your promise to
those who knock, that the door shall be opened.
I’m knocking! Lord, thank you for
the life You’ve given me and may I please find a way to make You proud with
what life I have left. Amen
