Does the Cross mean anything to you?

One day last week as I was getting dressed to face the day, I rummaged through my necklaces to find one that would go with the shirt I intended to wear. I selected a silver one -- but it had been so long since I'd worn it, I grabbed the silver polish and an old brush, and went to work, scrubbing the chain and pendant until they both gleamed. After giving the necklace a final rinse and patting it dry, I slipped it over my head and went to town.

I've been attending orientation sessions for my new job. We are all "newly hired" staff, and we've been getting to know each other bit by bit as we attended our classes. I sat next to Beverly; we'd chatted some throughout the week but were still pretty much strangers.

She greeted me with a smile and we exchanged pleasantries. Then she paused a moment. She pointed to my necklace and said, "That is such a lovely necklace. Does the cross mean anything to you?"

I guess I was a bit shocked at the question -- I "heard" it in the spiritual, even though she'd asked it in the natural. So I have to say I stammered a bit as I searched for the right words to answer, not sure how my new friend would understand what I had to say.

"This cross stands for Jesus," I said with a smile. Before I could say another word, the look on her face changed to one of complete understanding, possibly mixed with relief. She confided that she thought I was a believer, and how I answered her off-beat question was what she'd hoped to hear. She then went on to share a recent experience she'd had, relating how God was working in her life in a major way.

We bonded as friends at that point, with the realization that we had a similar understanding of our beliefs. It's comforting to know, when you're in the workplace, that there's at least ONE other person there who seems to be on the same spiritual wavelength as you are.

As Easter Sunday has drawn nearer, I've pondered her innocent question more and more. Does the cross mean anything to you?

Frankly...it means EVERYTHING. That cross was where my sins were nailed, that empty cross reminds me that Jesus arose from the dead and is alive in this world today! All I am, all I have, all I ever hope to be is due to that One Supreme Sacrifice of Love! I look at the blessings in my life -- my husband, my parents, my children, my friends, the talents and abilities that God has given to me -- and they all point back to The Cross. It's an amazing thing, a beautiful thing, a comforting thing in times of trouble.

And so, on this Good Friday evening, I really want you to ask yourself this simple question:
Does the Cross mean anything to you?

Selah.

Anita


Comments

Karen said…
You are always so encouraging. I look forward to reading your post everyday. Even though we have not met I feel as though you have become my friend. You are real, down to earth and I believe have the understanding of true love and friendship.
I treasure my friendly stranger. Thank you!
May Gods face shine on you,

Karen Stone
April 3, 2010 at 9:08 AM
Anita said…
Thank you Karen! I REALLY appreciate your kind words & encouragement. And I believe that one of these days we WILL meet.
Blessings to you & your family, my friend,
Anita
April 3, 2010 at 9:03 PM
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