REXBURG — It is often said that when trials strike, people have two choices, they can either turn toward God or they can turn away from Him. As for author and speaker Michelle Dennis Christensen and her family, they decided to turn to God in their time of trial.
In her new memoir, “Mirrors of Jesus: Finding Parallels of Christ in our Lives,” Christensen detailed a big trial that struck her family. In 2011, Christensen’s husband, Martin, was diagnosed with kidney failure. Soon after the doctors delivered the news, the search for a kidney donor began.
“As we looked for a living donor, we were faced with the fact that that donor would have to give a huge sacrifice in order to save Martin's life, in order for him to live a better, more fulfilled life,” Christensen said. “At that point in time, we saw an immediate parallel to our Savior Jesus Christ.”
As they went down the list of potential donors, they were each disqualified for one reason or another. The family eventually reached their last option.
“After a lot of prayer and family counsel, we decided that I would be tested to be a donor,” Christensen said. “That was terrifying to me because I have hated all things medical my entire life.”
Despite her fears, Christensen gave of herself to save her husband’s life.
“I could understand the Savior better by understanding how much love He has for us, that He did the act of the atonement for us, whether or not we would accept or reject it,” Christensen said.
Christensen takes the reader through the grueling months and years that followed the transplant.
“I cannot express how much it has strengthened our marriage. Martin was so grateful,” Christensen said.
Throughout their journey, the couple could clearly see parallels between their journey and the Savior. This message is reflected in the title.
“Everybody’s life has a mirror and a parallel to Jesus Christ,” Christensen said. “When we know that, when we can understand that, we learn to love Him more, and as we love Him more, we trust Him more.”
Christen’s book, “Mirrors of Jesus: Finding Parallels of Christ in our Lives,” can be purchased right now on Amazon in paperback or digital formats.