Grace Peters   

THE RED CROSS

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. …..Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”  Psalm 46: 1 and 10 KJV

                As we celebrate the Bicentennial of SCPC, let us focus on the meaning of the bright red, empty cross that hangs on the back wall of the altar.  This cross symbolizes the sacrifice, death and resurrection of our Lord!

                Fifty years ago on September 4, 1967, my well controlled, well planned, gently protected, and faith filled life was shaken to its very core. I found my first born child, a beautiful, healthy, two months old baby girl, dead in her crib. At first the shock was numbing but then came the pain, the anger, the why’s.  I clung to my faith reflexively and almost like insurance because I knew that it was my only hope of being reunited with my child.  God and I had many anguished conversations and I would weep and cry out to God.

         I quietly cried through many church services, but I would always keep my eyes focused on that red cross which reminded me that through Christ’s death and resurrection, my child, Karen, would have eternal life.  Often, after times when I was most emotional, a sense of peace and comfort would come and God would give me peace and hope.  He would wrap me in His arms and gently let me +know that He was in control.

                Throughout these fifty years, there have been other occasions of sorrow and many joys.  In all of those times, both in joys and sorrows, I still focus my eyes on that red cross, the cross of the Risen Christ!

Prayer:  Thank you exalted God for the sacrifice that you made in the death of your son, Jesus.  A sacrifice made so that my child and all of your children may have eternal life. Help us to always cling to our faith and allow you to be in control because you are “our refuge and strength”!  Amen