What does the word “redemption” mean to you?

Do you hear it as the same word as “salvation”? Or something different? Maybe something transactional… like redeeming your airline miles or your S&H Green Stamps? (Kids, go ask your grandparents what Green Stamps are.)

When I think of “redemption,” I think of a very personal story. It is a story that involves my wife, Joan, her daughter, and some brilliant, compassionate medical professionals. 

Almost 40 years ago, Joan experienced something no parent should ever have to go through. After her seven-year-old daughter began complaining about a series of blinding headaches and blurred vision, Joan took her to see the doctor to see what the problem was.

After an exhaustive battery of tests, the doctor returned to Joan with the bleak news. He told her that her precious little girl had a rapidly growing brain tumor. The doctor consoled her, saying he was hopeful that the tumor was somewhat contained and could be removed without disturbing any of the surrounding brain tissue. He was, however, not entirely sure this was the case.

To be on the safe side, he wanted to operate right away.

After waiting for an agonizing eternity, Joan and her (then) husband finally saw the surgeon push through the double doors and enter the waiting room. “Great news,” he said. “We got it all. Your daughter will have a significant period of recovery from this surgery, but the tumor did not disrupt any vital functions in her brain.”

Joan credits that experience – when her daughter was seven years old – with inspiring her daughter to dare to dream of one day studying medicine and becoming a doctor herself. Fast forward to today, where at the age of 45, that same little girl practices as one of the finest OB/GYN doctors in the city of Fort Collins, Colorado. 

The story of Joan’s daughter’s brain tumor is – for me – one of the most vivid examples of redemption I can imagine. It demonstrates the way something ugly and terrible can mystically morph into something hopeful and life-affirming.

Yes. Tragedy was averted and Joan’s daughter’s life was saved. HALLELUJAH! Praise God! But wait! There’s more! That single saved life – because of the medical degree Joan’s daughter later attained – went on to save many, many other lives.  And who can say how many OTHER lives those saved lives then went on to impact!

On top of that, whenever Joan or her daughter have a chance to talk to someone who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, they calmly reassure them with the story of their experience, saying, “It doesn’t have to bea death sentence.”

Redemption. Trash turned to treasure. Garbage gone gold. Dead ends turned into smooth, four lane highways.

But Joan’s daughter’s story is far from the only story of redemption I have encountered. I have met former addicts who have broken their chains and are now helping others break theirs. I have hugged and wept and sung with chronically depressed people who joyfully embrace a future with hope. Heck, I’ve ridden in the back seat of a sweet, restored ’57 Chevy that once was a pile of rust in the middle of a cornfield. 

Yes. Bringing life from death is a key part of my definition of redemption. But I don’t believe the word comes fully into flower until it continues its flow outward… touching, healing, and restoring other piles of decaying debris along the way. 

Yes. There are many reasons to lament the state of the world – and our country – as we turn the page from 2024 to 2025. But as we turn that page, we should never forget that the God who first lit the candle of Creation has never given up on his very first objective…

… the redemption of All That Is.

Happy New Year and abundant blessings;