Fridays with Mac: "Beyond Measure"

This lucky 66-year-old dude writes often in this space about the group of goofs who gather each Friday morning to challenge one another to grow spiritually. Ya know, that ol’ “Iron sharpens iron” kinda thing.

This gathering is important to your scribe and has played a major role in the development of missions like "Drive for Five" , Irv Brown Endowment Fund and A Stronger Cord . One of the fellas in this group snorted at me, after I shared about needing a kidney transplant. “Mac, get over yourself. Go find 5,000!”

Okay, the DFF Network is trying.

In general, the fellas were discussing the belief that if we’re truly walking in faith? We never walk alone. The theme was about having a close companion to come along beside us to encourage and exhort. The word “exhort” evokes thoughts of Hall of Fame football Coach Bill McCartney, a buddy and mentor fighting the good fight against Alzheimer’s. It was a blessing to be with him recently. The only coach to ever lead the CU Buffs to a national title, when pressed will admit, “My spiritual gift is exhortation.” Amen buddy

But it was the word “encouragement” associated with the above-mentioned counselor that really perked up my ears. I’ve always love that word, encouragement. Defined as, “To give hope and confidence to others.” Amen to that too. It’s the driving force behind engaging with displaced men, low-income college kids and those DFF tries to serve - give ‘em all a little hope and confidence for the road ahead.

Anyway, with this as a backdrop, your correspondent was sharing with the guys about meeting my kidney donor Cathie Hitchcock for the first time. This incredible human, and hubby Kirk, joined darling wife Kathy and I for lunch at Sierra. It’s a good restaurant on Denver’s south edge and lessened the Hitchcock’s lengthy drive from their home in Pueblo West.

I was explaining to the dudes about hugging Cathie for the first time. “You guys know I’m a big hugger and all that jazz. But this was different. Hugging Kathy and connecting? Knowing her spare kidney lies within my body? It was……….different.”

I’m gonna share a ton more about the angel in my midst in Monday’s DFF column but the moment the four of us - Cathie, Kirk, Kathy and Mac - embraced? Tears of joy, gratefulness and lots of other good stuff soon commenced. It was magical.

It certainly gives me, family and a legion of friends like you, hope and confidence for the future and the experiences and moments that lie ahead. I will forever pray for Cathie’s well being and for Kirk to be ready to receive a new kidney as soon as possible. The devoted Broncos fan is on dialysis, needs knee replacement surgery and THEN will be ready for someone to share their spare and save his life. Great guy.

The theme for the day with the fellowship group was to truly believe we don’t walk alone. I can certainly attest to that fact. A piece of Cathie Hitchcock sits in my groin area, just below the surface of my skin. I am certainly not walking alone.

As you’ll learn more next week. Cathie’s kidney is good for body, mind and spirit. I am blessed beyond measure.