I still love the Church because, at the end of the day, I know that it can be a healing source of love and inspiration. But in order to do that, we must be like Peter, willing to learn and grow, and follow the Spirit’s leading, even out of our comfort zones.

The Lord is near to the broken-hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18 (NRSV)

So we do not glorify the cross; we do not romanticize the cross. If the cross was the end of the story, we would not still be gathering to observe it two thousand years later. Instead, redemption is found in the Resurrection. It is in the empty tomb where we find hope and the cross is given new meaning.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.”

– Proverbs 3:5-8

As we cling to cliches and commercial platitudes like lifeboats in a sea of fear, there's a message to fall back on. There is joy to be found--even in the mundane, even in sorrow, even in uncertainty. May you tap into that rich, deep, real joy today.