King's Corner: Who saved your life without even knowing it?

King's Corner column for February 14, 2025

Someone asked me that question, and I realized there were two men, two separate times.

 One was my birth father, Robert “Mark” King. He didn’t know it then, but he did later. The other knew from the beginning.

 Mom and dad met at college. She was the editor of the school newspaper where he wrote a weekly column named “King’s Korner”. After a summer romance I was on the way, and her mother was determined they wouldn’t marry.

 So I was adopted at birth, as was my ‘sister’. In my 20s I found my birth parents, and my birth sister, and was warmly greeted. My adoptive sister did not look for her birth parents or sister, and eventually persuaded our adoptive parents to disinherit me for ‘disloyalty’.

 My birth father had a form of cancer that doesn’t show up in tests. He went ahead with another operation that also discovered the cancer, almost by accident, just before it would have spread through his body. That was over 30 years ago and he was still going strong up ‘til two years ago.

 When I reached the same age, I had hints of something not right. Repeated rounds of testing showed nothing, yet the doctors persisted because of my story about my dad. After a fifth round of tests under general anaesthetic they found the cancer, aggressive and advanced, but still able to be removed in time. I’ve had a complete recovery.

 Had I made my adoptive sister’s choice, the doctors tell me I would not be alive today. She inherited a sizeable amount from our adoptive parent’s estate that would have come to me, but I wouldn’t be here to enjoy it.

 My birth sister and her family have also made my life a joy. And knowing from my dad what health issues could arise in later life has helped me make wise, even lifesaving, choices.

 And the second man? Long ago he lived and died, and rose from the dead. I met him on a bet; I bet he wasn’t real, then I prayed and got quite a surprise. Through His death my life was saved, along with yours if you’re willing. And you also have a whole family to discover, and maybe even a whole new life. My dad embraced Him, and I believe he’s enjoying eternal life now.

 Because He loves you more than you can imagine, He can also help you make lifesaving choices. You might want to ask Him.