Washed by the sun, dried by the rain

A group of about 40 people came to a religious sharing this week. Call them Christians or protestants.

This young man, about my own age, gave a lengthy but not-one-moment-dull sharing on all the trials and struggles he and his family went thru...for the sake of the gospel. Each time leaning on the Words from The Book as his lifeline, the passages on Paul and his sufferings (imprisonment, beatings, etc) being the inspiration.

In the end it was this bottom line he shared. That as a true believer, the question to ask oneself is not "If i were to take up the cross...." But, "What/which cross will I take?"

This cross could take the form of having more perseverance, loving difficult people, hardship, living more simply, change.

Passage shared:
One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, "Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one's own self!—can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple.…..33 Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can't be my disciple. 34"Salt is excellent. But if the salt goes flat, it's useless, good for nothing.
- Luke 14:25-27