Carrying the Cross

To carry the Cross, simply means to carry all the injuries on the body and psyche indelibly for forgiving all those who offend. How much ever they offend. The pain may never go but you live with a comprehended peace. The wounds may never heal, because the penalty is entirely borne by the one who forgives, so that the offender goes scot-free. Apart from understanding the Cross and subsequently carrying the Cross, there is no healing for humankind.

Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. (Galatians 6: 17)

The Long Walk to Moriah

 Can the heart
that has taken blows
take thunder?

Can the brows
that have sweated in prayers
be pierced with thorns?

Can the hands
that have fed five thousand
be hammered with bone-breaking nails?

Can the feet
that walked dusty miles
to bring good news
be shattered beyond repair?

Can the sinless
bear the horror
of all my sin?

Can he who is robed in glory
wear my shameful nakedness
on that long walk
through the cobbled streets
and jeering crowds
to Mount Moriah
and become the son sacrificed
by the father?

Yet he did it all.
He paid it all
for me.

Prayer of the Cross

Thank you Lord for teaching me,
That every person who injures me
       is God-sent to teach me humility;
That every incident that thrusts me into repeated pain
       is purposed to teach me perseverance;
That every time I deny my needs
       is only to realize that He is all I need;
That every trauma for which I have no answers
       is for me to know that Jesus is the answer;
Oh Lord, save this foolish soul from wandering,
       help me oh Lord, that you may find delight in me
       for I know that all else is deceit.
So grant me oh Lord, more and more wisdom
       to gain a spirit of quietness and mercy
       as I surrender in Jesus name.
       Amen.

This prayer was written on 23rd Feb 2007 as I was attempting to comprehend degrees of betrayal. 
The picture above was created entirely in Microsoft PowerPoint.