Dearest One,
There is a fire burning inside of me. Words that must be written down; however, I don’t know where to begin.
An image has engraved itself on my heart – 21 men walking down a beach. All orchestrated as though it was a Hollywood production – to send a message to the “Cross-bearers” of the world.
I am a Cross-bearer. I make no apology. I am a believer in the One True God. The One who declares Himself as The Only Way, The Only Truth, The Only Life. Jesus the Christ – without any disrespect I say to you today…
Either Jesus Christ IS who He says He is or He is the greatest liar the world has ever known.
And, YOU are the only one who can decide that for yourself. My belief cannot save you. Your mother’s prayer cannot save you. Your father’s faith cannot save you.
You are it.
These 21 brave men believed the Cross was worth dying for.
Today begins the season of Lent – 40 days of ‘giving up’, of denying ourselves of something as we prepare to observe Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. I believe it to be a good exercise and I have observed Lent for many years.
But, today, I don’t want to lay anything down for 40 days. I want to pick something up. I want to renew my fervor, my sincerity, my devotion to being a cross-bearer.
I believe.
I refuse to hide His Light under a basket or a guise of political correctness, of not offending others. The Cross is either going to be a comfort or an affront to others.
Everything isn’t beautiful in its own way – like the song said years ago.
There really is right and wrong.
There really is good and evil.
We will be held accountable.
Just because something “feels good” doesn’t mean it is good.
I want to live brave.
I am a cross-bearer.
I believe.
On Wednesday’s it’s always a pleasure to join Kristin and Holley.
Amen and Amen.
The only other words I have are that “picking” your cross up rather than laying something down for Lent is a beautiful way and thought for me this morning.
Glad you are a near-neighbor at Kristin’s and I came by. I have been blessed.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Linda, I am right now visiting you over at Being Woven!
What a beautiful comment you made for me at Being Woven. I just smiled!
YES! Thank you for speaking the truth with boldness and love.
You are so kind!
Oh I can relate to that BURNING feeling…like you just NEED to write or you simply cannot function (can you tell I’m SO there??!!). Love this post and thank you for letting it OUT!!
Bethany, at times I feel as though I will dissolve into a pile of ashes….consumed by words that won’t write.
Oh, that is a powerful message. My heart broke for those men. I was so angry at their executioners, but you have such a different perspective on it. They died for their beliefs, for their faith. They are in the Father’s hands now.
We grieve with their families now.
I love this perspective. So encouraging to remember that living for Jesus matters. Thanks for sharing at #ThreeWordWednesday.
It may be the only thing that DOES matter, Kristin!
Yes, yes, YES!! Nothing but the truth will set us free. Praising God for the freedom those 21 brothers now enjoy in Glory. Thanking God for the freedom we have to live our cross bearing faith out loud in this country. And praying for those who are living in the bondage of lies and darkness.
My amen is with yours, Becky.
Amen, Susan! “I want to live brave” too. I love the idea of gaining something instead of giving something up for Lent. I’m really trying to be consistent in daily Bible study. Blessings to you!
Candace, let us all remind one another to LIVE BRAVE!
Oh so amazing! I love all of it, but especially the end: “I want to live brave. I am a cross-bearer. I believe.” I BELIEVE too and we as women in our society are wonderful examples of what God’s love can do. I want to live brave too and have no fear of what others think of me or my beliefs, but just love them unconditionally and set a good example for my children!
Blessings-
Christine
Christine, I hear the cries of women in America and beyond, striving to live brave for their families. God help us all.
Yes, let’s all live brave and be cross bearers! As I read your words, I was reminded of the word to “This Little Light of Mine.” “This little light of mine I am going to let it shine. Hide it under a basket…OH NO…Im going to let it shine.” What if we all sang those words with such fervor as the kids who usually sing those words in Sunday School etc. I too my dear sister am glad to be a believer with you!
Oh Tara, I was singing that chorus as I wrote the piece!
I want these days of Lent to prepare me well for celebrating Easter ‘s example – the Son of God. So I am with you on this: “I want to renew my fervor, my sincerity, my devotion to being a cross-bearer.”
Yes, Lord!