This quote by Henri Nouwen has caused some tension for me this past week, mostly because I wrestle with the question of whether I've accepted my cross. More than anything, I think a significant cross in my life is insecurity; I am a very insecure person. I am insecure about my friendships, I am insecure about my role as a teacher; I am probably more insecure about being a parent than anything else. I wonder if it is something I can overcome or IF I can overcome it; and what does it mean to bear this cross while following Jesus. Thoughts on a Canada evening as I get ready to visit my inlaws next week (speaking of crosses....that is a joke...I think)
Taking Up Our Crosses-Henri Nouwen
Jesus says: "If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him ... take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). He does not say: "Make a cross" or "Look for a cross." Each of us has a cross to carry. There is no need to make one or look for one. The cross we have is hard enough for us! But are we willing to take it up, to accept it as our cross?
Maybe we can't study, maybe we are handicapped, maybe we suffer from depression, maybe we experience conflict in our families, maybe we are victims of violence or abuse. We didn't choose any of it, but these things are our crosses. We can ignore them, reject them, refuse them or hate them. But we can also take up these crosses and follow Jesus with them.
No comments:
Post a Comment