by Ariel Douglas (22 October 2014)

 

It all depends on point of view

What this symbol means to you

To some it’s cute and fashionable

To others it’s mean and tough

To more still it’s a silly religious symbol

To another memories of a life that was a little rough

 

People wear it flippantly, drawing it everywhere

And don’t even realize what a burden they bear

It’s just another accessory, another fun design

Another piece to toss amidst the mass of tangled jewelry

It means absolutely nothing to their fractured, helpless minds

Their understanding is, at best, elementary

 

I see you wearing it everyday without a care in the world

In reality your mind is labored, like an oyster with a pearl

It might be a comfort from your past

It may be an ancient family heirloom

But wouldn’t you like to learn at last

The story by which your necklace is consumed?

 

The story of grace and mercy and love that never fails

Oh please, believe and rest assured, it’s so much more than fairytales

“Come to Me all who are weary and burdened heavy

Come to Me and receive My rest”

This love holds off the tide; an emotional levy

But is there even when problems crest

 

This love is the love I’m filled with

This love is a matchless, priceless gift

Yes, the symbol on your neck represents death

But it’s also the bringer of ultimate life

How your life would change, one could only guess

But I promise you’ll have more joy and peace

With far less guilt and strife

 

With all this being said at long last

I will tell of the long shadow of forgiveness it casts

This love has brought me to where I am now

And is taking me so much further

And I’ll share the who, the what, and the how

The cross reveals the Healer to the hurter.