That's the Cross

As a mom, the most excruciating part of the job is watching your child go through pain. You can't escape it, it comes with the territory. There are levels and kinds of pain, and I've walked with my children through heartbreak, fear, anxiety, illness, and mental health struggles.

Recently, while talking with one of my kids about something they were going through, I had the thought, I'd take it from you if I could. Not only would I take it, but I'd take it a hundred times over if it meant you could walk free of this pain. No questions asked. Nobody would even have to know.

I don't say this for accolades or to sound like a martyr. I believe this is something every parent worthy of the title knows to be true.

I've been a mother now for 35 years, having 9 children in 18 years. I've seen a lot. Their joy is my joy, and their pain and grief are mine to share. Parenting can be both miraculous and heavy.

This week, while carrying a particular burden, I had the realization that this is a picture of the cross.

I've struggled with the concept of the cross, just not understanding the "why" of it all. Why would God send his Son to be mocked, tortured and murdered? Wasn't there another way?

But there wasn't.

He took it all, our pain, shame, and sin, past, present and future. Just like any parent would, He stepped in and carried it.

But He carried it multiplied by millions. Billions.

So when life gets heavy, there's the cross.

When we fall, there's the cross.

When shame and guilt come to haunt us, there's the cross.

Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. -Isaiah 53:4-5

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. -John 15:13

I get it now.

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The Sturgeon moon

Too soon?

Boiled peanut season

As opposed to those silly city eggs?