Wednesday, June 16, 2010

A cross in my pocket!

It’s funny because I really had nothing specific to post about today!

But then a poem came to my mind.

It was 7th grade, I remember it so vividly. Our English teacher asked us to recite a poem of our choosing in front of the whole class. I instantly knew what I was going to recite. It was a poem I had actually come across not too long before the assignment was given. It was bold because I was in a public school, but I had no reservations and nothing was said after about the subject of the poem.

A Cross in My Pocket
by Verna Mae Thomas

I carry a cross in my pocket
A simple reminder to me
Of the fact that I am a Christian
No matter where I may be.

This little cross is not magic,
Nor is it a good luck charm
It isn't meant to protect me
From every physical harm.

It's not for identification
For all the world to see
It's simply an understanding
Between my Savior and me.

When I put my hand in my pocket
To bring out a coin or a key
The cross is there to remind me
Of the price He paid for me.

It reminds me, too, to be thankful
For my blessings day by day
And to strive to serve Him better
In all that I do and say.

It's also a daily reminder
Of the peace and comfort I share
With all who know my Master
And give themselves to His care.

So, I carry a cross in my pocket
Reminding no one but me
That Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life
If only I'll let Him be.


Looking back I often wonder why nothing was said and amazed. But even more amazed how God was working in my heart even back then and gave me boldness to recite that in front of the whole class. The words weren’t just words to me. They mean just as much to me now as they did back then. I must have worked forever days before the assignment so I had it down pat. But when it resonates with your heart, it really isn’t that hard

I think back to that poem quite often. The truth of the words. I don’t know what happened to that little cross that did actually come with the poem. I got it from the store and the poem was small enough to keep in your purse.

But you know, I carry the cross with me all the time. The cross is the price he paid for me. The cross is his love for me. The cross is his blood that was given for my ransom. The cross will live on until the day he returns.

But the cross isn’t mean for just your pocket, but it’s meant for all the world to see. In your actions, in your words, in the way you love people and in the way you love him and I carry it with me always so I can be a reflection of him.

And if I do remember correctly, I think I got an “A” on this assignment! Guess that’s what happens when you have the cross with you :)

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you for that poem today-just what I needed!!!! I love reading your blog-have for a bit now and you have great insight. I enjoy how real you are and how you don't hide how you're feeling.

Lauren @ Dreams Take Flight said...

Love that poem! Thanks for sharing, I had never read it before. What a strong woman of faith you are, even in 7th grade! I always dreaded reading in front of a class, and you made such a bold choice. :)

Rosie said...

I've never hear that poem. I love it!

That's Mrs. Russell said...

What a great poem!! I have never heard it before. Thanks for posting

Annie said...

how awesome and what an amazing poem! i'd never heard it before. i really like it, thanks for sharing hun! :)