I believe we all have a cross to bear, a responsibility or burden, that we must carry through life. A personal handicap. Something that weighs us down. I am not referring to minor health issues or financial woes. We all experience those. I am also not referring to daily responsibilities like going to work, parenting, taking out the trash or mowing the lawn. I am talking about a heavier weight. One that pushes, pulls or tugs at us. Things we face, deal with, and take care of, but which were not the result of anything we did or did not do. For example, the unique challenges faced by the mentally ill, physically impaired or addicted and the loved ones who care for them. Perhaps not a complete stultification on one’s life, but a hinderance nonetheless. We each get (at least) one. There are no exclusions, favorites, or exceptions. Although you can ask for help as many times as necessary, you must still carry your own cross over the finish line. You must figure out what your cross is. You must also figure out how to navigate your life while carrying it. Sometimes that’s easy. Sometimes it’s not self-identifying. It could be your whole purpose for being here. Maybe it’s broken down into tiny pieces that you pick up along the way. Be careful because it’s not always the obvious. You may have to reflect and search your soul. I certainly don’t have all the answers but I do know that my cross can be one heavy motherf…@#.
Bearing Your Cross
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3 responses to “Bearing Your Cross”
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I think that bearing our crosses is for our own good. By doing so, we turn ourselves into a better version of ourselves. Bearing the cross may benefit another person, but that’s secondary. Primarily, we create a new us! I’ve had a lot of time for introspection recently and bouts of what some societies would probably call “keening”. What I have come to realize is that bearing the cross of expressing love more often, which is not my normal, has tremendous benefits. I regenerate myself in the process. In addition to that, I get more “God moments” – moments that will serve as great memories. By now having this realization, this cross isn’t as hard to bear anymore. And I’m glad! xoxo
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