By: Rebecca Higgs

Reflecting upon my experience with the Cross, at a personal and intimate level, really reinforced just how powerful the love of Jesus is in my life and the role he plays in it on a daily basis. Being someone who has struggled with and questioned what my future may hold, I recently made a commitment that I would stop asking questions and put my faith and trust in God to lead my path; after all, His plans will always be better than mine, far exceeding what I could ever dream up. Walking with the crowd, sensing the physical presence of the Holy Spirit among my community, and spending a few brief moments with my hand placed on the cross, my eyes closed, and my heart open, I not only realised just how important my commitment was in allowing God to work through me for the greater good of His kingdom, but also the contentment I have in being assured of Christ’s love and presence no matter what my life may bring.
My eyes were opened to the fact that our worth should not be derived from which town or country we hail or which job we have or our material wealth or even by those who love us, but our worth comes from our relationship with the One who created us. That “if onlys” are as fleeting as the foam on the sea. “If onlys” are deciding we need something rather than allowing God to decide if that is how our life is to go; they deplete the knowledge of knowing that we are living in God’s will even if an answer to a prayer is not the one we had hoped and wished for.
Two verses come to mind when reflecting upon my experience – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6. And, “All things work together for good to those who love God…” Romans 8:28. The Lord is my rearguard; I do not have to worry about climbing mountains, because He will teach me to walk. I will not look to the right or left but straight ahead, for He is my desire.
The power of the Cross and the Icon is something that needs to be witnessed, not just heard about. My prayer is for all who have the opportunity to take part in their journey – that it may be as powerful and enlightening an experience as it was for me and my community!

Rebecca Higgs
St Thomas’ Parish, Mareeba