Parts is Parts

“Parts is parts” was heard in an ’80’s TV ad for Wendy’s chicken. I think the ad was actually referring to McDonald’s chicken nuggets. Well, all parts are definitely not equal. Through modern medicine, I have learned that we can have new parts to function in ways the old parts can no longer function.

I am certainly not the first to receive new body parts. What is unique is that my part is not a hip, a knee or any other bone. It is a nerve stimulator. It helps my nerves communicate with each other.

The sacral nerve gives the signal to go to the restroom. If these nerves are not communicating, you might miss the signal.

Occasionally, I experience incontinence related to Crohn’s. It has been the result of various subset diagnoses. Crohn’s is a whole body disease. A lot of Crohn’s patients have chronic kidney stones. Others, like myself, have chronic fistulas and strictures.

I have had surgery to remove parts — colon (large intestine), appendix, and a muscle was removed from my leg for a fistula repair. A few years ago, I gained a new part. I have a sacral nerve stimulator, also known as a neurostimulator. It is a pacemaker-like device that communicates with my nerves. This device does what my own nerves are no longer able to do on their own.

“Parts is parts” also reminds me of a verse in the Bible. 1 Corinthians 12:12

“Just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”

All parts of the body have a function. But, they all work together as one body. All the parts of the body of Christ have a function. What is your function?

Part can also refer to a role, like in a play. What does part mean to you? What is your part in this world? What role do you play? Do you think parts is parts?

Reflection: Do changes to your physical body change your part, your role in the body of Christ? How do tangible changes in our life change our outlook?