A Source of Strength
For some of us, there are times when things are just harder. At least that’s what it can feel like. When everything seems to be going against you… everything feels more difficult… everything seems to go wrong… it just weighs you down. However, when you take a moment to pause and pray, faith can make things better. At least that’s what happened for one of us.
Saying that this friend of the church was having a difficult time was an understatement. As a widow, recovering alcoholic, and caregiver for both her mother and sister as they had both just underwent surgery, she was really down when she met a member of our church for lunch. “Here… take this” the church member said as she slid a small wooden cross to her. She took it, put it in her pocket, and never let it go.
For weeks it was with her as she navigated the difficulties in her life when yet another problem arose – the family pet needed surgery. As part of the recovery process, a veterinary drain was required to help the dog’s healing process. Two days after the procedure, the drain went missing. In a flood of panic and sadness, she searched the house high and low to no avail. It was then that she remembered the cross in her pocket. She took it out, kissed it, and closed her eyes as she said a simple prayer – “Lord, please help me. Amen.” She took another deep breath and opened her eyes. It was then that she caught a glimpse of something. Poking out of the corner of a blanket, she saw the drain. Her dog was going to be ok.
Life is full of little miracles. It all comes from faith in our Lord, the power of prayer to the Holy Spirit, and the promise that is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. All of this is a strength each of us can draw from to get us through life’s tough times. Having a cross with us can remind us of that strength, and giving the cross freely to others increases the strength in all of us.
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These stories of the cross are documented from true experiences related to a mission of First Church Congregational. We invite you to make your own experience through the simple act of sharing part of our faith through the cross. If you find a moment where they have made an impact on yourself or others, we invite you to share it with us anonymously. Please contact Josh Ferry for more information