This large wooden cross made National news a few times during the past few weeks. I first saw it first on a Sunday morning on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. It had recently washed ashore, resting just out of range of the tide and partly covered with sand. It took a moment to realize it was a cross. It had been adrift at Sea for awhile, hence the dense barnacle population finding it a suitable home. During the past two weeks it became honored with a safe space, out of the range of tides, near the Ocean Manor Hotel. Visitors have placed memorials and stood in line for photo ops. A neighboring resident artist, skilled in beach sand designs created an additional tribute to the Parkland shootings. (I wrote a blog post of one of his creations last year and will include another post showing a new sand tribute shortly).

I am Christian, so it did give me pause as I saw it for the first time, on a Sunday morning of all possible days. It is comforting to know that it has been respected and preserved. My hope is that it causes viewers to stop and think; ponder their own relationship with God. I do not believe it has any mystical powers beyond it’s ability to make one stop and be aware that God is near. May you pause for a moment and think about your relationship with God today.