I thought I was just buying groceries but a chance encounter with a cashier named Edna turned into an unforgettable reminder of what following Jesus truly looks like.
Discover the powerful lesson Edna reminded me:
Discussion and Reflection Questions:
What stood out to you most about Edna’s story at the checkout line?
How does Edna’s way of wearing the cross differ from how many people display it today?
What do you think Jesus meant when He said to “take up your cross daily”?
I think we all have relationships in our life that can make embodying the humility that the cross represents rather difficult.
If I engaged more humbly but boldly with others, I would likely be a lot kinder. My mother is my favorite example of this. She wears the same church tshirts of any pastors wife but her faith is seen authentically in the sense of kindness peace that goes with her wherever she goes.
The cross itself signifies such deep humiliation. Not only humility, but true humiliation. For it to be a cultural “flex” symbol today shows both how much Christ has conquered and how much we have missed the point!
The symbol of suffering and shame is something we should be proud of, in the way Edna is but not worn as a symbol of our religiosity. Let us boast in Jesus Christ’s mercy rather than in our own devotion—which is filthy rags!