Behind the Music - Jimmy's Song
The United Stated Marine Corp has a motto called "The few, the proud, and the brave" and as disciples we can relate to their motto. We are the few who God has called to be brave and go out among the nations to share His Word and we are proud of the relationship we have with God.
There is a very special young man named Jimmy Drish who has inspired and influenced so many people. Jimmy joined the Marine Corps with our brother Jerry Konieczki on October 24, 2005 pursuing his life long dream. He was squad leader of his platoon and expected to lead them on January 2007 as they traveled to Iraq to defend those who cannot defend themselves. He has always loved serving others and was following the example of his parents who are serving as Chicago Police officers.
A few months ago, Jimmy learned of his father's failing health and became very concerned. His father???s kidneys were failing and without a transplant, he would die. Jimmy was the only match out of four children. He loved being a part of the Marine Corp and felt guilty leaving his Marine brothers behind, but because he loved his dad so much, he knew what he must do - give his father "the gift of life". On Jan. 23rd '07 Jimmy gave his father his kidney. They are both recovering well and Jimmy wrote a letter about his experience and the gift of life he gave to his dad. I was so inspired that I wrote an article and submitted to several media outlets who were very interested and have been sharing Jimmy's story with the world, among those were ABC, NBC, ABC World News, Chicago Tribune and several others who are still lined up to interview him.
I also shared Jimmy's story with two brothers who were visiting from the Greater Baltimore Church Of Christ and they were so inspired that they wrote a song on Saturday, February 10th to give tribute to Jimmy. We invited Jimmy and his parents to church in the South Land Region of Chicago on Sunday February 11th. Tony Martin and Ray Kabia along with a sister, Tina Crawley, from the CCOC Metro Region performed this song as a moving tribute to Jimmy.
The people in the congregation were moved by this young man's act of love that there was not a dry eye in the house. They were able to relate it to their own personal lives and to their relationship with God who sacrificed His Son Jesus out of love for humanity. John 3:16 - ???For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son...". Jimmy sacrificed his career and life long ambitions for the well-being of his father's health. His heroic act resulted in saving his father's life. Jimmy and his parents were impressed and their hearts were so very moved, not only by the tribute song but also by the love of all the family of God and the entire service as well. We spent the rest of the day at my home building even deeper relationships and sharing about how God is so amazing and has a plan for each of us as we feasted over a festive turkey dinner.
How can I say ---------- thanks
for the many things you???ve doneYou given so unselfishly ???
I know that I am loved.
Everyday I???m grateful
for the blessing of a sonYour actions evidence ??? your heart
???N the game of life you???ve won
I???m so thankful for all you have done for meThe few, the proud, the brave, the bold
you???re what I want to beI???m so thankful that you live so selflesslyWhen duty calls you stand up tall with faith for liberty
In times of trial you???re faithful,
you???re the last to let me downYour courage and your confidence
your deeds oh so profoundHow fortunate we are
just to have you aroundYou???ll reap rewards for what you???ve done ??? the blessings will abound
I???m so thankful for all you have done for meThe few, the proud, the brave, the bold you???re whatI want to beI???m so thankful that you live so selflesslyWhen duty calls you stand up tall with faith for liberty
Your discipline so evident
your drive, your will, your pride, your strengthYour witt, your love and your self worth
your desire to
put others first
We know that you???re there ???
good --- bad or worse
Your righteous acts we can never repay we???re so proud to say ??? we???re so thankful We are so thankful???
Music can be made available by contacting River City Music at http://www.rivercitysongbook.com/ .
Adapted from http://www.gbcoc.net
Tina Konieczki
Southland Region-ChicagoEvent CoordinatorManager/Advisor/Consultant
