Justin March leads the Bethany Lutheran Church Men’s Ministry and sends a weekly email message to the Men’s group every week.  Justin has generously permitted us to post his weekly reflections here. 

The world as we know
it is changing. Statues are being taken down, fight songs changed, traditions
scrapped, and mascot names abolished. And whether we are doing these things for
the right or wrong reasons, the world we currently live in will look much
different over the next few years.

As I watch the media
flood our lives with news of racial tension, violence, political agendas, and
dark history, it becomes apparent that many things from the past were
detrimental. Some were rooted in inequality, some were formed by pushing down
others, and some just do not make sense in today’s world. But no matter how
each of us has been shaped by the past, no matter what our personal beliefs
are, and no matter if we want to see some of these things change or not, it is
going to happen.

So, where can we find
stability in a changing world? Where can we find comfort when we find out
something we loved was based on hate, inequality, and prejudice? And where can
we turn when we feel like the life we once knew has perished right before our
eyes?

My friends, there is
one tradition I promise you can hold on to. There is one icon I am proud to
uphold. And there is one representation I will not allow anyone to take from
me. There is a structure that has endured every test, weathered every storm,
and overcome every obstacle. And when I think about this rare artifact, rooted
in nothing more than love, I am overjoyed by the mere sight of it.

This would be the
cross. Yes, I understand that there was plenty of hatred, bigotry, and violence
associated with the cross, but when you think of the man that was crucified on
it, there is no denying it’s significance in today’s world. You see, Jesus did
not care what color your skin was. He did not care if you were male or female.
He did not care if your family was poor or wealthy. And he did not care if you
believed in his word or followed his dreams. He had a mission, and that mission
was nothing more than to love everybody as his own, forgive all their sins, and
ultimately pay the price to save us all. That cross stands tall, symbolizes His
love for this world, and is based on principles we can be proud of.

Two rugged pieces of
wood. A man who loved His people so much He was willing to sacrifice
everything. And a belief that erased all divisions, squashed hate, and provided
equality. This is the cross I believe in. This is the cross that will always
have people who hate it, but is not entrenched in inequalities, political
agendas, or greed. A symbol I can pick up, be proud of, and share with others.
And a story so iconic, that I choose to follow whatever Christ asks me to do.

So, if you see tears
in my eyes when I see that cross, understand that they encompass love,
sacrifice, and grace. Understand that this is a symbol we can share with others
in these dark times. And as we watch our traditions crumble before us, as we
watch our statues get taken down, and as we watch our world change before our
eyes, remember the cross and the promises it has for our lives.

I will share my cross.
I will let my light shine through caring conversations, generosity, and
writing. And I will never be ashamed of this powerful symbol representing hope,
faith, sacrifice, and love. You can take away the traditions I grew up with,
you can question my personal beliefs and feelings, and you can disagree with my
view on this world, but there is one thing you cannot, and will not, ever take
away from me. You cannot take my cross!