The Reminder.

Mar 17, 2008 - 11:55 AM PST

The glitterati cross that loomed over the congregation was the wonder of the old and the ridicule of the young. The middle aged members, who chose the piece, were thoroughly delighted with the appearance of the acquisition. Eleven strategically placed light bulbs created a soft backlighting that shone on the red velvet wall treatment. The glittery golden front picked up the lights of the sanctuary and seemed to twinkle in the dimness.
High above the pastor’s head the gleaming, sparkling icon seemed to reiterate the words of love, redemption and reflection with a slightly disco attitude. All eyes were drawn to it – this otherwise foolish piece of décor. They drifted and settled there while some soprano sang a reverent melody or the sonorous voice of the pastor gave a prayer of healing.
In any other setting the bedazzled cross might elicit outright mockery or be condemned to the prop closet of Godspell or Jesus Christ Superstar, but in this renovated gymnasium flanked by glittered banners bearing hopeful and reverent passages and images of grapes and olive trees, the shimmering cross seemed at home.
It was accepted and even loved by the motley congregation, even those who mocked it; the funny old ladies and goofy men, silly women and rebellious teens. Each saw a bit of themselves reflected in the dazzling façade – they saw the part of themselves they dared not show in public – a part of them some would not even show in that open and sacred place.
But it was there; all their insecurities and foolishness. The focal point of the room, staring at them, guiding them to the place the pastor spoke of; to the foot of an ethereal throne where they could cast their cares on the back of someone stronger than themselves since his yoke is easy and his burden is light. And they left that place feeling lighter and happier than they’d been when they entered, forgetting the glittery cross and its absurd appearance.
After everyone leaves, the lights are turned off and the backlighting is gone, the glitter ceases to reflect what isn’t there anymore. But it, the silly prop, knows the people will return and it will still be there to remind them of their humanity and, that underneath, they are all the same.