One has to carry their cross in order to reach resurrection.

First of all, I need to make it clear that this article is subject to no religious matter. I do not intent or wish to influence in any way the readers of this article, and therefore, they are free to interpret the words in it how they see fit to. What I am writing here are merely my thoughts and how I perceive the challenges every one of us goes through, to some point, in our life.

It is not meant to influence one`s religious believe or faith. When I say that one has to carry their cross to reach resurrection, this is what I mean – that one has to carry their cross so that they can reach resurrection – but all of it is placed in a metaphorical context, and I will explain shortly just how this comes about.

Everything we experience in our life is meant for us to grow; it is meant for us to learn the lessons we need so that we can expand our awareness and move onto to the next level or stage of our earthly existence. This is the purpose, really. And I know that when we`re finding ourselves amidst challenges and hardship, seeing that as a blessing or opportunity to grow is the last thing that crosses our mind. I know.

I have been there many times, and I know how it feels. When you look around you and it seems to you that nothing works, that everything falls apart and most of all – that voice in your head shouts so loudly that you tend to believe your head will explode – that`s when you`re carrying the cross I mentioned.

Our challenges are our crosses, and we need to “carry” them in order to reach, afterwards, the enlightenment of the resurrection.

Just like the cross, resurrection too is used here in a metaphorical context. Jesus is the perfect example of the human resurrection and He went through it both theoretically and practically. But the practical part carries a great symbolic meaning and a marvelous lesson, and if we pay sufficient attention to it, we`ll come to understand all of Jesus`s endeavors and His supreme victory – resurrection.

He came into this world to cleanse it off all the sins and human ignorance. This wasn’t an easy thing to do, not even for an awakened and elevated soul like Jesus. He faced many obstacles and trials; he had to beat the ego and human weakness into submission, and he had to keep focus, to stay centered in the eternal spirit, God, in spite of all the temptations around him. He had his weak points, too, without doubt. This means, after all, to be human. But nevertheless, He always stayed firm and true to His mission and purpose.

Going back to the moment just before he was captured by Pilate’s soldiers, in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prayed. He knew well what was about to come – this was yet another test. He was captured and He was taken before the Roman emperor, where he was judged, mocked at, despised, disrespected, laughed at and so on, and yet He didn’t fight back – this was another test. Then they mockingly cloth Him, in that which was supposed to be royal clothes, threw the big and heavy wooden cross on his shoulders and they had Him carry it all along the way to Mount Sinai where He was crucified – another and the final test.

Why I am telling you all these things?, you may ask

Well,  because everything Jesus endured was meant to expand his soul; it was meant for Him to grow stronger in his spirit, to burn the ego, to burn the weakness, to win the fight against the wicked mind and weak body, and ultimately, to be a living proof for every soul on earth that God dwells in every creature, and that he who lives righteously, will be heir of the godly paradise. But you see, all of these trails were necessary for Him to resurrect, and thus, meet again with the heavenly father. Resurrection can`t happen if there isn’t a trial, hardship, temptation, challenge, first.

It`s like when we want to pick from the tree a red apple to eat it, but before being able to eat it red colored, we must see it green first, and wait for the apple to grow and to be mellowed, right? It is the same here. We face these obstacles in what we call our earthly journey, but then, once they are gone, we feel good, don`t we? We feel at peace, happy; we feel stronger and lighter as if the storm passed and the sun is out now:)

This is what I feel, at least, every time I experience obstacles. First thing I think to myself is that it`s here for a reason, that it has a purpose and it is meant to teach me something. And I always find my way back to my happiness and gratitude after the “storm” passes, as it makes me think that once again, I followed the same path as Jesus`s. And I smile, because His path means growth – in any sense of the word.

Therefore, whenever you are amidst hardship, bless it. You know the old saying that goes, “everything that comes to us, be it positive or negative, we should bless it?” Follow that,  as it is my belief  that if we bless our circumstances, regardless good or bad, we experience them in a more easier way.

And really now, when you know that everything comes from God, and all of it is for your highest good, isn’t it easy to bless these circumstances, then?:)

I believe so:), because we only know so much about ourselves, life and spiritual purpose. God has and looks at the bigger picture of our destinies, and that`s why, He places us in situations which are fit for whatever thing our soul needs in order for us to grow.

It`s all divinely planned, can you see that?:)

Talk to you next time:)

Cristina