While she was in grad school, we loved talking to our daughter about many of the things she was learning about science…..about genetics, in particular. The “hidden to our eyes” world of genetics was opening up to her, and somewhat to us, as she learned more and more about the complex codes that make us….us. We were especially happy to hear her say, more than once, that what she was learning about our DNA pointed her to God and to scripture. Truly we are “fearfully and wonderfully made!” (Psalm 139:14)
Made. Not evolved, but made. Made by our Creator. Each of us designed, uniquely designed, by His very creative hand.
Now working as a geneticist, Andrea designed and now supervises a lab in Texas. Did you know that each of us processes medicines based on our DNA? How my body responds to an aspirin is different from how your body responds to an aspirin. Our response is all tied into that unique strand of DNA that we each possess. So a geneticist can take your sample sent from a doctor and from that sample can determine how your body will respond to various medicines.
It’s called Pharmacogenetics. The definition is: the branch of pharmacology concerned with the effect of genetic factors on reactions to drugs.
It’s pretty amazing. Because of this testing, a geneticist can help a doctor determine the best drug for you…..special you…..to take for certain conditions. And it’s all because God made you….you. How exciting that He is letting us have a peak, through DNA and genetics, into just how very special YOU are!
This is the testing that Andrea does in her lab. They are also doing Cancer Pharmacogenomics, meaning that chemo can be personalized for each patient based on their DNA. Knowing that your body will process certain chemo drugs better than other drugs is a huge step in better cancer treatments and cures.
Amazing stuff! Complex stuff!
“Fearfully and wonderfully made!”
Said another way, we are awesomely and wonderfully made!
None of this was on my mind as I walked out into our back yard one recent evening. There, out on the lawn, a gaggle of geese was parading past. They were fun to watch, and funnier to listen to as they squawked when they realized my presence. Finally one of them took to the air, and the others nervously followed.
The next day, while on pooper scooper duty before Gary mowed the yard, I saw there in the grass a long goose feather. I picked it up so I could look at it more closely, and to also show it to Aaron.
When I examined it later, I was amazed at how tight each little feather strand was. Nothing could easily break through that strong feather…..and a goose has hundreds upon hundreds of similar feathers, every one made specifically for each part of his body.
The fact I loved the most, though, was to see what happened when I put water on this feather. I loved showing this to Aaron! The feather was waterproof, which is no surprise, but it was so fascinating to watch. The water just formed into little balls and rolled right off the feather, no matter how much water was poured onto it.
It was fun pointing out to Aaron that God made this goose feather to be just right for a goose. Our Great Dane doesn’t need goose feathers. But a goose sure needs goose feathers! A goose puts his feathers to very good use as insulation against water, and also for protection from the cold.
A goose is also “fearfully and wonderfully made!”
I randomly laid our goose feather on the server near our kitchen. I saw it this morning, laying there beside this picture that Andrea gave me one year for Christmas.
We have Cow Patty jokes galore in our family. This picture is the sequencing of the Mitochondrial DNA of a North American Bovine.
HaHa! A cow’s DNA!
But WOW!! How complex it is!
So my simple, though really complex, goose feather…..and the DNA sequencing of a cow……and my very own individualized DNA…..are all reminders of what a very capable God we have.
And also they are reminders that each of us is created by God. Every skin color, every hair texture, every eye shape…..all are designed by the God of the universe.
If anyone hates a person that God has created, then that person hates God Himself. That person also doesn’t know God. Period.
Let’s focus on knowing and following this great and good God. And loving each other as the very special people that He designed us to be.
From genetics to goose feathers, it all points us back to God.
He Said What?! 