This past week, the RTI class was asked to "pick up our cross" in the most literal of senses. We were to make our own wooden crosses, and then to carry them around with us, everywhere we went. An interesting and an eye-opening assignment indeed. Although I admit I was a little bit reluctant at first, carry the cross with me everywhere was not the hardest part about this experience. What was most interesting to was wast the reactions I'd get from others.
In the beginning of the assignment, I would get many strange looks from people as I would walk by. Over the weekend, a member of the RTI class gave the announcements for the big church services. This resulted in thousand of Christians around the Salem-Keizer area to know about the project, and to get excited about it along with us. Just in walking from the Youth Center to my house (a matter of three blocks), I would get whoops and hollers in encouragement for carrying my cross. Word was out. It no longer was a matter embarrassment of the fear of being viewed as "over-zealous," it became a matter of camaraderie and belonging. I found myself wanting to not only carry my wooden cross, but proudly display it for others to see, in hopes that they too would share a value for the significance behind my two planks of wood.
I walk away from this week with my cross always at my side with the following reflections: 1) It is easy to carry your cross when you know other are in support of it. 2) It is hard to want to display your values when you're at the grocery store, or in a public place where you are aware that others are looking down on you. All in all, I am re-realizing that the cross I carry cannot be by any means hidden when I am not in Christian circles. I am not one to revoke or suppress my beliefs, but I am admittedly one to keep quiet about it if I know conflict would arise from it.
The literal and metaphorical carrying of my cross this past week was an eye-opening experience indeed.
In the beginning of the assignment, I would get many strange looks from people as I would walk by. Over the weekend, a member of the RTI class gave the announcements for the big church services. This resulted in thousand of Christians around the Salem-Keizer area to know about the project, and to get excited about it along with us. Just in walking from the Youth Center to my house (a matter of three blocks), I would get whoops and hollers in encouragement for carrying my cross. Word was out. It no longer was a matter embarrassment of the fear of being viewed as "over-zealous," it became a matter of camaraderie and belonging. I found myself wanting to not only carry my wooden cross, but proudly display it for others to see, in hopes that they too would share a value for the significance behind my two planks of wood.
I walk away from this week with my cross always at my side with the following reflections: 1) It is easy to carry your cross when you know other are in support of it. 2) It is hard to want to display your values when you're at the grocery store, or in a public place where you are aware that others are looking down on you. All in all, I am re-realizing that the cross I carry cannot be by any means hidden when I am not in Christian circles. I am not one to revoke or suppress my beliefs, but I am admittedly one to keep quiet about it if I know conflict would arise from it.
The literal and metaphorical carrying of my cross this past week was an eye-opening experience indeed.
Good insight Brandon. I too gave more thought to where I was headed when I picked up my cross. truthfully it was easier when I was coming to church, but if I was out at the store or one of my kids sporting events was more intimidating. I was a little anxious when that was the case. I really was afraid of what kind of reaction I would get.
ReplyDeleteI like that you got whoops of encouragement! That's awesome, I wonder how it affected random people throughout the week :D
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your comment, "I am not one to revoke or suppress my beliefs, but I am admittedly one to keep quiet about it if I know conflict would arise from it."
ReplyDeleteGood stuff, B!
Yo.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly how you feel. It was a super interesting transition to go from no one but us knowing about the crosses to thousands knowing about and supporting it. Also, I really did feel that pressure in non-christian settings. It put a label on me that I was proud of, yet uncomfortable to share. It really opened my eyes. It was good.
You're awesome. I like you.