The Power of Research

In my house, conversations aren't just small talk—they cut deep, opening up the kind of truths that linger long after the words have been spoken.
Today, my daughter, now a medical student, turned to me with a serious look on her face. Her voice was steady, but I could sense the weight behind her words.
"Mom, I want you to donate my body to science when I die."
I almost dropped my mouse. "Girl, you must be out of your mind. I’m burying you, and that’s final."
But she wasn’t done. She leaned in, her eyes never leaving mine. "No, Mom, listen. After they’re done with their research, tell them to send my body home, and you can bury whatever scraps are left."
I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. "Girl, you are completely crazy," I repeated, shaking my head.
But then her tone shifted. She became more earnest, more intense. "Mom, the reason we’re struggling to find cures for diseases like sickle cell and hypertension, especially in our community, is because we don’t have the right bodies to study. All the cadavers we've worked on in school—none of them were African American. We’re trying to solve Black health issues by studying white bodies. It’s like trying to fix a car with the wrong manual—it just doesn’t work."
Her words struck a chord deep within me. The truth in them was undeniable. "Duly noted," I said quietly, the enormity of her point sinking in.
As the conversation faded, something profound stirred in my spirit. A revelation, if you will.

Beyond the Shell: A Spiritual Reflection
Most of us never get the chance to separate the earthly shell from the spirit. When we look down at the remains of our loved ones, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by grief, believing that their entire essence is confined to that lifeless body in the casket. But what if we saw things differently? What if we viewed the body as a temporary home, a shell that once housed a vibrant spirit, much like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly? Once our earthly assignment is complete, we leave that shell behind and ascend to something greater.
I know this is deep, and it might go over some heads. After all, it’s hard to think this way when you're staring down at the body of someone you loved so dearly. But the Lord showed me something powerful.
The day before my uncle passed, I went to the hospital to see him. The anointing was still fresh in my hands, and every time I touched him, his body moved—not in a strange way, but in a way that everyone in the room noticed. I said, "He’s moving because Spirit recognizes Spirit." Deep down, I knew he was transitioning. As a hospital chaplain, I’ve seen it far too many times. Yet, this time, God showed me something new. The spirit is so attuned that it recognizes itself, even as it prepares to leave its earthly vessel.
This understanding made me see the importance of timing—the precise call time of death, just as accurately noted as the moment of birth. God has a set time for everything. As I patted his frail hand, I silently thanked him for housing such a wonderful spirit.

The Detachment We Struggle With
When we don’t understand the power of God’s creation, we find ourselves clinging to what’s already gone. The body that held our loved one may no longer house their spirit, but we struggle to let go. Yet, sometimes, in their care for us, they may make a stop by our way, just to remind us, "I may have left my flesh, but my spirit is alive and well."
This brings me back to the medical field, where science can only go as far as its research allows. Without research, there can be no cure, except through Jesus. And that’s where faith steps in. As a pastor, I believe our job is to study the Word so deeply that we know exactly what to speak over every sickness and disease. If God chooses to use us to heal, we must be prepared. But that’s another conversation altogether.

The Importance of Donation
If you’re not fully convinced in the healing power of Jesus, consider lending your body to science so the Holy Spirit can guide researchers to discoveries that may help others. But here’s the catch: You can’t donate your body after you’ve passed. This is a conscious decision you need to make while you’re still of sound mind.
Donating your body isn’t a quick fix to avoid funeral costs. It’s a thoughtful, informed decision made with the understanding that you’ll be helping future doctors and researchers find answers that could save lives. If this resonates with you, contact your local hospital—especially if it’s a medical science center like Ochsner LSU—and ask to be connected to the appropriate department. They’ll guide you through the process and paperwork.
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The Need for Deep Conversations
Finally, let’s talk about the need for these deep conversations within families. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Discuss your final wishes with your loved ones now, so they know exactly what you want when the time comes. Without these conversations, someone who feels entitled might make decisions that go against what you would have wanted. You have the power to control your legacy—but only before you leave this world.
So, take a moment, have those conversations, and make those decisions while you still can.
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Be Blessed,
Pastor, Chaplain, & Author Danyelle Scroggins🌸🍃