Good Friday!!!

This post is very late but I still had to make this entry...even though I know I am the only one (at this time) viewing my blog. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures to share along with the story but here it goes anyway.

It was April 14, 2006; Good Friday. Walking up to our church I noticed two additional crosses I don't recall seeing before, one laying mostly prone and the other upright. Everyone visiting the church would have to walk by these two LARGE (~9-10 feet tall???) crosses. Although I didn't make a connection at the time I saw them I did notice that each cross showed some "damage" toward the bottom. Both added something extra to the church setting for Good Friday but it wasn't obvious...there was just something different!

The next night a number of the Sunday School families (called GIFT at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church) met at a members house for a Easter get together. It was a nice and relaxing time with plenty for all the kids to do. The night was nice and everyone ate outside. After enjoying a good meal there were several groups scattered about with a number of conversations on many subjects.

I'm not exactly sure how it came up but the focus of our conversation turned to those crosses. One of our church staff members (Janet) was sitting with us and proceeded to tell us how they got there. At one point on Friday Eric, one of our newer and younger (I'm guessing mid 20s; I'm bad at guessing too) members, popped into the office to get some water. He had looked hot and like he just completed a heavy workout. When he was asked how he was doing he mentioned that he and a friend of his had just arrived at the church (36th St. & Stanford)...they had walked...from approximately 84th St. and McDowell. In my rough calculations that is approximately 9.5 miles. Wow! That is a good size walk!!!

Now it gets better...remember, we were talking about how those crosses got there. Yup! They carried them...through the streets!!!! They picked up a cross and dragged it almost 10 miles on Good Friday! WOW!!!! Sure, there is the physical aspect to carrying a 10 foot, heavy wood cross for 10 miles on pavement but more than that is the emotional and spiritual commitment and impact of such an act.

As this story was being told tears welled up in the eyes of the person relaying the event and in the eyes of my wife and I as we listened. I was deeply moved by this act and whenever I recount the story it touches me all over again.

It can't get better...right??? Well, for me I believe it does. When asked; Why and why he didn't let anyone know??? The humble answer came back that it was just something he wanted to do and he didn't want to make a big deal about it. My awe of his actions deepens!!!

Remember the "damage" to the crosses. Like I said I don't know why it didn't connect before I knew the story but as soon as I heard what was done I thought back to those crosses I saw the night before and remembered how they were worn. One side of each cross was worn away by the pavement, both at different angles accounting for a difference in height between the two men. Both had marks six or so inches from the bottom, on one side only, where I can picture occasional contact with a curb. This was not "damage" at all...it is a further reminder of the eternal life given to us through Christ!!!

THANK YOU to the two men who made this Good Friday journey. Your faith and commitment is an inspiration to me. Very cool! May God bless you both!!!!

TC&TG,
Chuck

P.S. If I'm able to get a picture of one of the crosses I will update this post later with the image.