Excerpt from the message I delivered at the Camp Ray of Hope Sunday morning spiritual gathering on September 19, 2010
What does the word cross or crossings mean to you? What pictures come to your mind? Maybe someone standing with arms wide open to receive you, to hug and give you comfort? If you are a Christian perhaps you immediately think of Jesus or the hymn The Old Rugged Cross? If you work in the medical field perhaps you picture a red cross or the caduceus? If you were born in a foreign land perhaps you picture a flag - many countries have incorporated crosses into their flags. Are you a sailor? Then there is the Mariner’s Cross. Do you travel a great deal or build roads – then you may envision a four way intersection? A cross or the word crossings means many things to many people.
For me the words cross and crossings bring forth those visions and more – one being my spirituality and my belief that loved ones who have gone on before me have crossed over to another place that holds sanctuary and safety for their souls. Crossings, for me, also means transition - a journey into the unknown with the courage to face that transition head on, without fear and with trust that a greater power will help me find the way.
Each and every one of you are in the midst of such a transition – a crossing – right now that presents one of the greatest challenges you will ever encounter. There are times you are not sure how, or if, you will make it through to a place of safety and sanctuary. Soon after your loss there were hugs and words of comfort every day from people who care about you deeply. You were surrounded by family and friends who were more than willing to help hold you up. But as time has gone on many of you have experienced a shift – people have gotten on with their lives and it seems they are not present as they were in the beginning – and now you may need that more than ever! On those days – and nights – you may wail, cry, rage and feel so very alone and ask why have they forsaken me? But always remember there is one dear friend – perhaps the dearest of all - whose arms are always wide open and ready to receive you. No matter where, why or when. With Him it will be well with your soul.
