I was at a gathering recently and many of the locals were present. A small few of them were carrying heavy crosses of sickness which are well known in the area. I found myself wondering why we keep our crosses secret? Is it to appear to be in control and have it "solved"? I'm not sure, because I have learned that disclosing our crosses makes us vulnerable and attractive to others, who too struggle in different ways, and it also sets us free. When I meet a person who appears to have everything solved, I find they are empty and uninteresting... so I wonder why do I keep my cross secret? Why do you keep yours secret?
I believe it's cultural BC....I am of Irish descent. My grandmother and mother always told us to NEVER tell anyone your problems....they don't want to hear the good about you, only the bad to spread the rumors....That has been ingrained in my psyche since childhood..... I agree that when you appear "real" to others, you are more attractive. I don't want to be around people who have a facade of having it all figured out....but that is the world we live in today....It's all smoke and mirrors....plastic surgery....denial.....darkness.....Stan.....
Crosses, in a Christian sense, are kept to oneself. Catholic saints have always kept these things hidden. I guess it really depends on how you deal with adversity. If it helps you to be open then there is no foul. But if you use it to your spiritual advantage...then its only you and God. Hope that helps Brother al
Crosses of course come in all shapes and sizes. They come in all manner of fashion. Needless to say the probable reason most people don't trumpet their cross is because of shame. The cross may or may not involve sin. Many suffer a silent cross. For some the cross is theirs and for nobody else. Others cry out in different ways from the weight of their cross. Jesus hangs beside us on our cross.
My mother was of Irish decent. She had polio as a baby and Parkinson's in her old age. She never complained. She said her Mother (Grammy Kennedy) would always say "What can't be cured must be endured". I think she felt that enduring included not complaining but "offering it up" to The Lord.
I think it greatly depends what it is? Some problems can be helped a little by talking about it, but not to everyone usually.
Stan would have us keep everything secret if possible, he has more power in the dark! I know we have to be prudent in who we trust, but perhaps it's a mixture of feeling exposed and vulnerable and a fear of rejection... and on the other hand feeling free and unburdened and accepted. It can be a tough call!
There's probably some people who scoff saying, ah he/she is only looking for notice - Which can cause some to suffer in silence!
Some poor souls fall under the weight of their great cross, and get right back up again.. I guess that's what being a true Christian is. It's a daily battle.. a duel with the devil. 'Sigh, oh, One of these days... one of these days..' 'gonna climb that hill of hope: Jesus did great battle with the devil on his way, and on the hill of clavery, and so we may have sight, hope. Its not easy being a Christian but its alot easier than being in hell. Luke 9:23
in general I keep my crosses to myself...unless I complain about them here...which I have done a lot Sometimes we simply need human help with them, and then my cross becomes an opportunity for someone else to show mercy, which is very important for that person. Not everyone is comfortable with other people suffering, so it is a growing opportunity for them as well as myself.
