The Cross

I stood tall, and proud, reaching my branches to the heavens. My bark was thick, my leaves were green, and they rustled with the passing of the wind. I knew my purpose, what God had called me to... it was to be strong, to stand tall, and to give life.

One horrible day, God shifted my path. A man came and chopped me down. He shed me of my branches, my leaves, and my bark, and he left me with only my insides, exposed for the world to see. I was embarrassed, and ashamed. Then the man cut me into two pieces and nailed me together forming a sort of a crossed T shape. I cried to God, pleading for clarity and answers. What was my purpose to be now? What were these trials that he put me through? What was this embarrassment that had been brought upon my once happy life?

This small man was asked to carry me, miles and miles on end. I was heavy, and he fell many times as he struggled to keep walking. I wished more than anything that I could just be a tree again, standing tall and proud in the ground. When the man finally reached the top of a hill, I was placed into the ground in between two similar crosses with men hanging on them by rope. The man who had just carried me up the hill was placed on my cross, but he was not tied up with rope like the other men, he was nailed to me... arms outstretched, bleeding, and pained. I hurt. My insides had been pierced... and my heart hurt even more for this man who had been left to die hanging from me.

He prayed to my God, and then He was peaceful, as if He was dying for someone that He loved. As the last breath left his body, I finally realized why I was there. God had called me to be strong, and I found strength when I felt at my weakest. God had called me to stand tall, and I had held up my brother when He couldn't hold himself up any longer. God called me to give life, and I had helped Jesus Christ to save us, giving life to all of those who believe.

God had called me to something bigger than just being a tree.... He had called me to be a symbol of hope. I am a reminder of the crucifixion... a reminder that Christ lived and died for our sins, so that we may have eternal life.