Crosses.
We all have them.
Some are in the shape of an illness.
Others as mental anguish.
Or they come in the form of tragedy.
Many are of our own making: not listening to our conscience when it whispered, “Don’t do that.” Foolishly acting on our impulses. Ignoring the wise council someone gave.
Regardless of how we ‘acquired’ them, crosses can feel thrust upon us – and oftentimes too heavy to bear.
But today we actually celebrate a Cross.
That sounds strange to modern ears – and even more peculiar when we realize that this Cross was chosen.
It wasn’t formed by the poor decisions or lack of conscience of the Person carrying it. Rather, it was formed by ours.
And God, who knew what was going to happen, could have easily destroyed the tree that was used to make the Cross. He could have made the soil around Jerusalem so sandy or rocky, no trees would grow in it. Or, as with Elijah’s offering, He could have sent fire from Heaven to consume the wood.[1]
But He didn’t.
Instead, He allowed that tree to grow strong and tall. He let it be cut to make the heavy crossbar Jesus would carry to the place of Crucifixion. And while He was dying on that Cross, formed by our sins, Jesus forgave us.
Just as unfathomable, He continues to love us – enough to help carry our crosses. He walks alongside us, shouldering the burden while whispering gently, “You don’t have to carry this alone. Allow Me to carry more.”
But it’s easy to get so caught up in life that we don’t hear Him. We brush aside the weight of our past decisions and pretend they don’t oppress us. And if we ever catch a glimpse of them, we quickly justify ourselves and move our glance elsewhere.
So we never fully heal.
That’s where Rachel’s Vineyard comes in. This program offers retreats where women and men can begin healing from their abortions. In a safe and compassionate environment, they can grieve while also finding hope. They can find meaning in their loss even through their tears. And they can see how God has been with them in every moment, helping them carry their cross.
So today, just after we celebrated the Feast of the Holy Cross, let’s remember not only the discovery of the True Cross in 326 AD, but the Love of the Person who carried it for us. Let’s keep in mind that we, too, can help someone shoulder a heavy burden, so they don’t have to carry it alone. And let’s recall that just as wood can create a cross, it can also create a ladder – one that brings parents and their lost children into the Father’s Loving arms.
Attend a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat and turn your crosses into ladders.
Mary Peterson is a staff member at the International Office of Rachel’s Vineyard.
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