“We all need more light today. We all need more positivity. Family and faith, hope and strength – that’s what these stories are all about,” say Squire Rushnell and Louise Duart, co-founders of the “Godwink” brand from Massachusetts. They recently shared an inspiring story with Fox News Digital.
According to Rushnell, a “Godwink” refers to moments that appear coincidental but are believed to have a divine origin.
A Song Brought Them Together
A beloved song played a pivotal role in bringing together two men—and their wives—resulting in a life saved and a blessing that resonates throughout the year.
Several years ago, Pastor Tim Jones started leading a church in Kannapolis, North Carolina. On a chilly Saturday morning just before the holidays, he hosted an open house for the community. Playing his favorite song, “Sow Mercy” by the Gaither Vocal Band, a familiar tune attracted attention. Don Herbert, who was parked nearby, recognized it as his favorite song too, prompting him to approach the pastor’s table.
The two quickly connected over their shared love for gospel music. Their interaction, albeit brief, was meaningful, and neither realized just how significant that moment would turn out to be.
Just two weeks later, Don was hit with devastating news from doctors at Duke University Hospital: he needed a kidney transplant to survive. His family began testing for potential donors, but the options were limited. Meanwhile, Don’s wife, Belinda, took to Facebook, desperately seeking a donor.
Pastor Jones, while using his computer, saw Belinda’s heartfelt plea pop up on his screen. Though he didn’t immediately recognize the name, he felt compelled to help. After calling for a test, a nurse informed him that it was unlikely he would be a match.
But, surprisingly, his blood was a perfect match. They quickly began discussing plans and involved their wives. The two men underwent a series of medical tests, all while waiting to hear the next steps.
Eventually, they were told that Jones was indeed the “one in 20,000” match for Herbert.
God’s Plan Was Different
On the day of the transplant surgery, both men and their wives had developed a close friendship. They thought the process would be straightforward: Jones would undergo surgery first, followed by Herbert’s transplant. However, what started as a two-hour procedure stretched to over five hours.
During Jones’s surgery, doctors unearthed a serious issue—an aneurysm in his renal artery—something that could have led to catastrophic results had it gone undetected. The gravity of the situation was not lost on the medical team; they expressed astonishment that while Tim saved Don’s life, he had also saved his own.
This Christmas, as both men recovered, they reflected on the extraordinary series of events triggered by their shared affinity for a particular song. In the lyrics of “Sow Mercy,” they found a deeper meaning that resonates still: “If you’ve ever reached out to help a friend, that same hand may lift you up again.” It’s a reminder that acts of kindness can lead to unexpected blessings.
