Let’s admit it… at times life, can feel like an unpredictable roller coaster plummeting us into a death-defying drop or spiraling us into the next breathtaking loop. One thing is certain; life captivates us with not only devastating grief and sorrow but also extraordinary love and passion.
One constant that acts as our guardrail to hold onto, keeping us safe and secure, is the light of hope that lies in the power of God’s love. This gift not only keeps us on track while we navigate through life’s ups and downs, but it can also use us as a vessel in helping others, if we dare to believe.
This site has been created to share my experience as a living kidney donor. It’ll also serves a resource of hope to those who need inspiration in their life. I desire to share with the world what challenged me to believe in the presence of God, while doing it with dignity and grace, even when I didn’t feel I had it in me.
This journey has been one of incredible joy, laughter, sacrifice, heartache and grief. There were times when the only thing I had to rely on was God’s promises. I feel sharing my story continues to fulfill my faith, trust and belief in Him.
“But didn’t I tell you that you will see a wonderful miracle from God if you believed?” Jesus asked. – John 11:40 (The Living Bible)
My name is Amy Gray-Cunningham, and this is my story. It’s about daring to believe in a divine calling from God that resulted in me saving the life of a complete stranger.
On July 6, 2011, I donated a kidney to a man I didn’t know. What started out as a casual conversation with my husband about a Facebook page, created by a high school friend of his, ended up changing my life forever. Jennifer Ensley Scoggins published a page–Looking for a Kidney for My Brother David. What a brave attempt to find a life-saving kidney for her brother?
David, in complete renal failure, needed a kidney transplant immediately, or he would die. I told my husband I hoped someone would step up to help him. He had a wife and two daughters. They needed their husband and daddy. My heart broke for this family.
Then in a clear, distinct voice I heard, “AMY THAT PERSON WILL BE YOU.”
My next thought was, “What??? How can this be?” Not only did I hear God speak directly to me for the first time but I instantly knew that person WAS me.
What I went through donating my kidney to David, God has given me back tenfold in blessings that are too many to count. David is alive and well and recently walked his daughter down the aisle at her wedding, which a few years ago wouldn’t have been possible. Those six little words… “Amy that person will be you,” not only gave David his life back, and it transformed mine forever.
As a result of this extraordinary experience, I’ve written a book, Daring to Believe–Amy’s Memoir as a Living Kidney Donor, and it’s scheduled to be released in 2016. This amazing reflection chronicles my journey throughout the entire donation process and depicts how even when I struggled to believe, God’s loving hand pulled me through.
By telling my story, I hope it will inspire others to listen to that calm, still voice inside them, regardless of where it might lead. As scary as it may seem at times, God’s desire is to bless us here on earth as He does in heaven.
While I continue to post the successes and trials of my life, I hope it inspires you to keep faith and continue believing, but overall, to build and strengthen your own relationship with God.
Please sign-up for my blog posts. I truly hope the honesty and transparency in my posts will be an inspiration to you or someone you love. I welcome your comments, personal experiences and prayer requests. More importantly, I look forward to getting to know you!
