Never Forget

Since I was a sophomore in high school, I've worn a necklace with a cross on it. Early on, I wore it within easy sight so everyone would know I was a Christian. Later, I intentionally hid it--I decided others should know I was a Christian by the way I acted. Now, I wear it intentionally both hidden and in sight...but usually I just let it fall where it may.

When I was a senior in high school, we had open campus during lunch. A group of us were eating at a local fast food restaurant. As I took my tray of food to a table to sit down, an elderly gentleman said some words that still ring in my mind from time to time.

"Never forget what that cross you're wearing stands for."

"I won't," I responded. "Thank you."

I'm sure we must have said "Hi." or something before he spoke those words, but I don't remember. When one of my friends walked over, she asked what he'd said and I told her. I looked for him then, and it had been a few minutes since we had spoken, but I didn't see him anywhere. Not walking away. Not driving around the building to leave. Nowhere.


....Angel?


I always wished it were so, but more likely simply a gentleman with an agenda to glorify Christ.

The cross means to me life, death, resurrection, Jesus alive in me, forgiveness, eternal life, help for living Jesus' way today, compassion, submission, obedience, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control, worship, giving, and hope....so many wonderful things that give my life meaning and bless me daily. And I am so grateful for each one of them.



"Never forget what that cross you're wearing stands for."




I still remember.



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A Little Time

She stood by the pay phone outside the grocery store...calling to people here and there. I couldn't quite make out what she said...though I supposed she was asking for money. Many spoke to her as they hurried past...one man even stepped closer to hear what she said....but I didn't see anyone give her money. A young man, probably in his early 20's, walked up to use the pay phone. The woman stepped aside and the man made his call. After he finished, it looked like he handed something to the woman. It seemed, then, that he was going to walk away, but he kept standing with her...talking. After a few more minutes, he casually hopped up on the newspaper vending machine to continue his conversation with the woman.

And I thought of Jesus. I thought of Jesus taking time to talk to the poor and the hurting. I thought of Jesus willing to speak to those that others brushed aside. I thought of Jesus reaching out to others in love.

I saw Jesus in the actions of that young man casually sitting on top of the newspaper vending machine....taking his time to reach out to someone in need who came across his path that day.

Maybe God will bring someone across your path today that He would like for you to speak to. Are you ready to "hop up on the newspaper vending machine" and give them a little of your time?


Lord,
Open my eyes to really see the people You bring across my path today...both the ones who are openly hurting and the ones who quietly keep their pain inside. Help me to reach out to them in love just like Jesus did. Let me make a difference in the lives of others today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12