“Growing up Christian, both the men and women in my family all wore crosses around their neck. I remember being a little girl and desperately wanting one. On my twelfth birthday I was finally given my own cross necklace and told that I should always remember that Christ suffered and died…because of me. I would spend the next 20 years of my life deeply ashamed and guilt stricken for causing my Older Brother immense pain. It wasn’t until I was in my 30’s that I realized no loving God would pay for the sins of a child only charge them interest in the form of self hatred, debilitating guilt and lifelong servitude. Sometimes I look at that necklace and remember the heavy burden it was to bear the cross. It is a burden I will never bear again.”
— Submitted by A.C.

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