I still like to shop the old-fashioned way by ordering out of catalogs.  One of my favorite catalogs is Signals which is put out for the fans and friends of public television.  It has a wide range of unique gift and clothing items.  Several years ago, I was looking for something to help me focus and meditate while reading my Bible.  I discovered Sister Clara’s Cross.  It is hand-crafted in Haiti from recycled iron and river rock and stands about 19 inches high.  No two are exactly alike.  Kalalou, the company that sells the crosses, makes sure all the proceeds go directly to Sister Clara who runs a free clinic in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.  Her clinic provides the services two doctors as well as dental services. 

I so enjoy looking at my cross and feeling closer to God.  I began thinking about what the cross actually means to me by using the letters in the word cross.  For example, C is for Christ and crucifixion.  Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection is the center of our faith.  I also think of crown, which is the name of our church in Illinois, Cross and Crown.  R can remind us of the resurrection which brings us redemption for our sin.  We are redeemed by Christ’s resurrection.  During Lent we also think about repentance and reverence, time for extra prayer and reflection.  When  it comes to  O, I think of God’s power and omnipotence.  Enough said.  S is for sin, sinners, salvation, and Savior.  We sinners are saved by our loving Savior whose death on the cross gives us salvation and eternal life.  Try it yourself.  Pick out your favorite cross whether it is a piece of jewelry, a wall plaque,or even a picture and think of words and ideas you associate with it .  But most of all, think of all the unconditional love it represents.

Nancy