Reflections for Lent

Psalm 77:10-20 NRSV

And I say, “It is my grief that the right hand of the Most High has changed.” I will call to mind the deeds of the LORD; I will remember your wonders of old. I will meditate on all your work and muse on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have displayed your might among the peoples. With your strong arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; the very deep trembled. The clouds poured out water; the skies thundered; your arrows flashed on every side. The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lit up the world; the earth trembled and shook. Your way was through the sea, your path through the mighty waters, yet your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

And God Spoke To Me

In 2017, my sister, Robbie, my daughter, Sally, and I went on a trip to Eastern Europe. My grandparents were born in Romania and grew up in Budapest, Hungary. We wanted to see their homeland, walk the streets, meet the people, and make a connection to our roots. While in Bucharest, the capital of Romania, I bought a silver cross. To my eyes, it represented a connection to God and the grandparents I love. Fast forward to 2023, and I left on another trip. This time with friends from Grace. Oh, how excited we were. 

Savannah, Georgia, was our first stop before our flight early the next morning for Utah. Up and at’em at four a.m., a quick prayer, and I was ready. The cross was around my neck, and my suitcase and carry-on bag packed. We boarded the bus for a ride to the airport. Upon arrival, we checked in, received our tickets, and checked luggage. We went through security, the scanner, and onto the gate. The fun had begun. It was great – laughs, funny stories, pictures – it was going to be a memorable trip. Then, I reached for my cross; it was gone. Panic set in, and my heart began to ache. 

Our tour guide contacted the hotel to be on the lookout, then suggested I go back to the counter where we checked in – back through security – to the ticket agent. No one had found a cross. Oh God, I prayed, help me find the cross. We prayed on the trip that the cross would be returned. The One who made the stars, and calls me by name, told me I would find my cross; don’t give up. After checking with the hotel and tour company for more than 7 weeks, I was losing hope. God said, “Keep trying, keep praying.” You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the people. -Psalm 77:14. 

Eight weeks later, before leaving for church, I decided to call Lost and Found at the Savannah International Airport. A.J., the nicest man answered. He listened very patiently as I described the cross – silver, about 1 ½ to 2 inches long, about 1 inch across – it was very unusual. “You will recognize it.” I told him the date I lost the cross. Several minutes later came the words, “I found it.” I was speechless. I cried. God had answered my prayers – He never let me give up hope. Every time I touch the cross around my neck, I think He suffered and died for me, a sinner, on the cross. Jesus loves me this I know! 

~Diana Roy~