The Message of the Cross

St. Louis, MO -- Hey all... How are all doing?

Well, I've been here and there, going around, meeting with people, working at establishing new contacts... So many people have been so helpful in this and people who are interested in Japan are popping up here and there, so that's pretty cool.

I got to talk to the teacher who originally connected me with Tim and Christine Huber who are working over in Japan. He, the teacher, taught English over in Japan for a year. Anyhow, it was exciting to talk to him and talk about the different experiences and the people we met... it was pretty cool! It was exciting to see someone who has also captured a passion for Japan, who though he's not going, has been a part of sending others there. It was a great conversation!Anyway, I'm making my rounds and visiting other churches in these weeks... although I have to say that I'm really looking forward to getting back to our church! :)

Just to give you an update of what's going on: I'm working on establishing new contacts and building the "Project Japan" team-- both financial supporters and pray-ers are needed! I'm also visiting with current supporters and getting some much needed family time in. I will be getting a part time job in about a month or so, to help out with expenses here and to put into savings for getting to Japan... But as far as support goes-- it's still needed! What's not immediately needed right now to live off of is getting set aside for Japan as the start-up costs are a bit insane.

Just think of me as being on a bit longer of a furlough. Oh, and in a couple of months, paperwork will start for the visa and for the school that I'll enter in Japan.

So, that's that.So the other day, I heard an advertisement for a jewelry company. This jewelry company was talking about graduation presents and it said something to the effect of-- For your son, I suggest getting a cross, to remind him of his accomplishment.

Wait, wait, wait, wait...Since when did the cross become a symbol of our success or accomplishment? I shook my head and scrunched my eyebrows... Should not the cross remind us of His accomplishment? Of what He did for us? Of the priceless, painful sacrifice made for us?

It made me very sad to think that the cross, in many eyes, is just another symbol... and one that is used to remind us of our own achievements. That is not the message of the cross to me.

Don't get me wrong... I'm not saying that it's wrong to give someone a cross for a special occasion. I myself have given and received crosses. Please do not feel as if I am condemning people for buying crosses... I just want to think a little beyond the decorative image of a cross.

What struck me was the reason for giving it-- to remind someone of his own accomplishment. I guess just the secular nature of it was what took me aback.

What is the message of the cross? When you see it, what does it remind you of?

When I see it, I think of Jesus' precious sacrifice... of the hope He gave us, of His resurrection, of His incredible grace that I don't deserve but that is freely given...And I think of the many people who don't know the message behind the cross. Of those to whom the cross is just a pretty "t" or a symbol of some religion of who knows what... Those who don't know the saving power of Christ.

I think of those for whom the cross what meant (which includes everyone), but whose ears have never had the opportunity to hear about it that message of hope, of God's love.

So, when I think of it, it means more to me that just some piece of jewelry or some wall decoration that gets glanced at now and then and reminds you of some ceremony or event in life... It means the salvation of souls, the love of God manifested... I pray that I may never become immune to the image of the cross and what it means for me, as well as for others.