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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Cross (as in the Cross of Christ) (08/17/06)
I hang delicately from a silver chain that hangs around my wearer’s neck. She dons me every Sunday to accent her fine clothes or match her quaint earrings. I glimmer in the sunlight and collect the compliments towards my beauty, from those whose eyes look for good appearance. I am a cross, whose meaning is shallow.

Imprinted on a smooth leather cover, I am carried all over town, proudly displayed on an open table, a car’s dashboard, or in the hand of my carrier. The pages beneath me are never opened, keeping my looks ever new without wrinkle or crease. I show the world that a Christian character exists, even if the words inside of me go unread. I am a cross, molded by two-facedness.

I stand on a pedestal before the long row of church pews. I am adorned with gold and rubies, shimmering under the lights. The faces of those who come to seek clean consciences are reflected in my glowing frame. The crowd is drawn to me as I remain an unfailing symbol of wealth. I am a cross of pride.

My home is a dark pocket, shared with loose change, a broken watch and an occasional scrap of lint. Once in a while I am allowed a breath of fresh air, but only before being tossed into a jewelry box to keep company with other forgotten pieces. My days are dreary as I represent a light hidden from the world by someone more intent on being accepted than sincere. I am a cross, suffocated by fear.


I cast a long dark shadow on the ground from my position on the hill. I am worn and old, yet stronger every day. My limbs are scarred with holes from brutal nails, and a twisted ring of thorns remains embedded in my fibers. A sign still hangs from my highest point to mock the One who was killed on me. I am not a beautiful sight, yet the weary find rest at my feet. I don’t reflect the sun or sing of wealth, but my stains of blood give hope to searching souls. I am not an instrument of pride, flashiness or hypocrisy. My purpose is to stand as a reminder of time past, when a Savior of the world was sacrificed upon my wood - when the earth trembled and thunder shook the skies. I remain the humble symbol of salvation to keep alive the everlasting message of the One sent by God to take away all sin. I am the cross of Jesus Christ.


…Which cross do you revere?
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This article has been read 1473 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Kevin Kindrick
08/24/06
Powerful. Honest. Touching.
Thank you for writing this, and sharing it with us.

God bless,

Kevin
terri tiffany
08/24/06
What I like - this is beautiful. I LOVE the comparison...I love your word choices. Love your ending. Made me think and isn't that what we want the reader to do?

What I might change - nothing at all. You said it all very clearly.
Joanne Sher 
08/26/06
This is very, VERY powerful and extremely effective. I love the way you parallel for first crosses with the "true" one. This is just wonderful.
Julia May
08/28/06
Excellent writing. I loved this. In Christ's Love,

Julia
Teri Wilson
08/30/06
You should have lots more comments. This piece gave me chills when I got to the last paragraph. I thought it was absolutely wonderful. Excellent, excellent work.