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Last Sunday, our church choir sang a song* that’s stuck with me. It was called “Beautiful, Terrible Cross.”
My first thought: How can something be both terrible and beautiful?
Another oxymoron: Today is known as Good Friday. But it commemorates the day Jesus died. How can that be good?
It got me thinking about life in general, how there are so many tragedies that occur, but how God turns ashes into beauty. What was intended for evil, God used for good.
I thought of how this concept applies to my own life.
My mom suffered for four long years with cancer. She died when I was 19.
Terrible.
As a result, at her funeral, 15 people raised their hands to say they accepted Christ into their lives. As a result, I came to truly know God.
Beautiful.
Then I thought of how this concept applies to a friend’s life.
In the last few years, this friend** miscarried twice and had to deliver her deceased 20-week child…on Father’s Day.
So, so terrible.
As a result, she and her husband are pursuing adoption. A child who wouldn’t have had a home will have two loving parents who couldn’t want him or her more.
Amazingly beautiful.
Then I thought of how this concept applies to the world.
Sin has infested the world. People do awful things to each other. Sickness strikes. Tragedy prevails left and right.
Terrible.
And so Jesus died a horrible death. Nailed to a cross. Bleeding from his side. A mocking crown of thorns jammed down on his head. Punishment for things he never did.
Terrible.
As a result, we were given life. Hope in this life and the next. Love unending.
Beautiful.
And so now I understand. What a terrible, beautiful cross.
Your Turn: What reflections do you have on this Good Friday?
*If you want to hear the song I’m referring to, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsam4AJiPaA
**To learn more about my friend, Karen Harrison, and her family’s journey, visit their website at http://ouradoptionfaithwalk.blogspot.com
***Photo from ourordinarylife.com
You went deep today. Stuff of life.
I'm trying to think about what Jesus was going through at this time. I do this every Good Friday. And it breaks me. It also fills me with hope.
~ Wendy
Sometimes, that's what we need. To be broken. I love that there's hope in the brokenness.
Lindsay, this post is beautiful. You brought tears to my eyes. He is beautiful and terrible. I think Christy Nockles sings that song. 🙂
A year ago this May our best friends' son was killed in a car accident after high school graduation.
Terrible.
He was scheduled to go on a Missions trip to Japan a week after his death, so his father, my hubby's BFF decided to honor God and go in his son's place to Thailand. God did work in him and healed a lot of pain and answered some questions. He also took drumsticks with him (his son had a drum scholarship to college) when he gave them to the Thai pastor, he said, "We have several drummers but sticks are so expensive and when we do have extra money we can't afford to spend it on 'luxury' items. You have blessed so many with these."
Beautiful.
And you brought tears to mine with this amazing story. I love how God works. How he moves. How he brings beauty from the ashes.
This post is so, so touching.
Going to look up the lyrics to the son you mentioned– and find it on YouTube.
It's a great song, Beth. I hope you enjoy!
This is a beautiful post, Lindsay. Perfect for Good Friday. I am amazed at the grace with which you talk about losing your mom.
I love how God brings beauty out of tragedy.
Thanks, Mel. I couldn't do it without Him.
Very touching post. I am going to reflect on what Jesus endured for a people that rejected Him. And I am one…
Have a blessed Resurrection Day!! 🙂
You too, Ruth! Reflection is a must on this day.
Beautiful words today Lindsay. You say it so perfectly. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the inspiration you have been to me, Karen. Your strength has amazed me. God has made something beautiful of your life. I can't wait to see how he provides!
Beautiful.
Thanks for visiting, Julie. God's love for us is so amazing, isn't it?
Just listened to the song. Beautiful. So is this post. A perfect reminder of selfless, beautiful love on a sad and terrible day.
Thanks so much, Lacie. And thanks for visiting. It is a sad day, but there's light just over the horizon…Easter and the Resurrection celebration. So awesome!
I think each of us who knows and loves Jesus will weep when He reveals the triumph from our tragedies on that great day. Until then, the small glimpses such as you've described, Lindsay, are so comforting. Only someone whose heart has been touched by the terrible and by the Redeemer of the Terrible can write so eloquently and thoughtfully. I just love this post- and wish everyone I know could read it. I'm positive your mom is rejoicing in knowing her daughter has gained such wisdom, depth, and maturity. God is obviously at work in you. It's beautiful.
Oh Kathy, thank you! Your words make me want to cry. I'm so, so glad that God is the Redeemer of the Terrible…I love that name for Him. And I'm so, so glad that He has used the tragedy in my life for the better. It's not me, that's for sure. It's Him.