Isaac traded crosses with me under one condition–that I never give away the golden cross. That was two years ago.
And no small feat, as it is a tradition of this church without walls to give/replace the cross of a fellow community member whenever there’s a true need.
This genuine gesture is accompanied by prayer and a blessing. Usually, said cross ends up being the one I’m wearing. But I shifted this practice when I humbly accepted Isaac’s gift. Now, I try to keep a spare to share in these sacred moments.
Isaac tells me that what makes the Golden Cross unique is that it’s one of the original crosses given out when the ministry first started over 15 years ago.
What I See…
I see a testament to resilience when I look at this cross. It is an artifact, a treasure. The coating is completely worn down–hence the gold color.
Isaac and I have continued to cross paths over the years, and each time, I’m grateful to show him that I still have the cross from our exchange. But in our most recent encounter, it was Isaac who was in need of a replacement. His possessions had been stolen.
So, here we are together with our crosses–old and new. And just like the Golden Cross, I can tell barriers to housing have worn Issac down.
But somehow, he still manages to shine.
Dear Isaac, may your resilience be matched with unimaginable abundance, and may (literal) doors be opened to your new home. You are a treasure.
This is my offering.
❤️✌🏾🌱-SJ-
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