A Walk of Sorrows

In church today we were given black ribbons to wear, a reminder of our own ties to Jesus' walk to the cross. A walk of sorrows.

We were reminded that when we face personal walks of sorrow, whatever form they might take, we have an example in that most famous of condemned prisoners and I think the lessons bear repeating.

Jesus (or the softer Aramaic, Yeshua) accepted his suffering. We spend so much energy railing against our sorrows, against injustice and pain but if it is unavoidable we are better served by putting that energy into coping or even growing through the bad times.

Jesus prayed through that most agonising of walks.

Even in His suffering Jesus was concerned for others. I always think that if we can give any focus to others it prevents that ugly self absorption that is so abhorrent. It also can remind us of our blessings and remembering our blessings will make any cross a little easier to bear.

Finally, Yeshua forgave. Forgiving is freeing. Forgiving restores relationships. Forgiving dulls pain. Forgiving allows us to move forward. Forgiving keeps us gentle and sweet instead of hard and bitter.

In that walk to the cross Jesus showed himself to be a big man. A man of grace, of courage and of strength and beauty. I'll wear my black ribbon as a call to reflect some of the luminosity of my Christ.