Friday, July 3, 2009

Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me

Jesus said it. We quote it. But can we do it.

M is doing it. She is an inmate at Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women. Her family lives thousands of mile away. She gets lonely, as we might all imagine; yet, her faith sustains her. She has only been a Christian for about 18 months now. Last week when she told her husband she was being baptized, he gave her an ultimatum: Do that and I will divorce you.

She had hoped he would bring their daughter to our next Mother/Child Retreat, but now he refuses. He does not want his daughter exposed to "crazy Christians."

I told M that I understand that mindset. If the "crazy Christians" were the only ones I had ever been exposed to, I would have the same reaction. She understands. She says before she met authentic Christians who share the love of Christ rather than the wrath of God, she felt the same way. She really thought all Christians were like the ones who get all the press.

M is beginning to understand that her actions will have to speak. As far as she can tell today, her marriage is over, but her relationship with God has only just begun, and she is being faithful.

"Will you come and follow me if I but call your name..."


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