Cling to the Cross

I placed an order recently for a few things to change up my Christmas preparation routine. When I received the package, I had no idea how much it would change my perception and perspective of a commonly said phrase.

A lot of time, when people are struggling with grief, among other things, the common advice is “cling to the cross”

I have done this, I have lived it, I have clung to it with everything I had in me. But I never really understood the reality until I opened this box.

Inside was a hand-sized, wooden cross, carved from acacia wood and beautifully shaped.

It was smooth yet firm in my hand. It fits perfectly when I hold onto it, and I couldn’t believe how natural it was to hold onto it.

Just like when I cling to the cross spiritually, I found myself clinging to it physically. I couldn’t believe it, but I felt like I was connected to this little handheld cross that I only owned for less than 24 hours.

It seemed so unreal- I felt like I wished I’d had it for years, a real cross to cling to. I couldn’t believe how holding it while I prayed, cried, or celebrated changed the way I cling to the cross.

My figurative clinging to the cross was always a cherished, sometimes struggling time. My literal clinging to the cross? That is an amazing small change I have made that I am having a hard time describing.

If you need something extra, a little faith push in the right direction, then maybe consider this for yourself. Whatever struggle looks like for you, I cannot advocate this little handheld cross enough. I have had devotionals, books and music help me in my faith journey over a lifetime. I never considered the impact a small cross could make in the palm of my hand, to give my faith a boost, my prayers more meaning, and my studying more life.

Somehow holding this small wooden cross has made everything about the birth, life, and death of Christ seems real. It makes it feel more important and special somehow. It reminds me of the humble beginning- birth in a strange place that wasn’t meant for people at all. The life that gave his parents joy and his follower’s hope and the death which was overcome in the grave in only three days’ time, to forever be defeated and left in ashes.

Somehow this little wooden cross has provided me with reminders I had forgotten and faith I had let weaken. Holding it in my hand has given me hope for the rest of my time here until I go home.

XOXO,