“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
I sit here drinking my coffee after reading day 7 of an incredible Lent study. Comfortable. Content. Free to worship to maker of the heavens and earth. My bible is currently in the front seat of my car - sitting there for all the world to see. I drive around town not even thinking twice about "putting it away" or scared that the "wrong" person might see it sitting out in the open. On Sunday I sat in the same spot I sit every Sunday listening to the word of God preached aloud. Not once did I check over my shoulder or worry about having to barricade myself inside from the terrors of the world outside.
Here I am safe. Here I am free to worship.
As we all go about our daily routines and bicker about what Patricia Arquette's speech really meant, we so often forget the privileges we have and the freedom we do not deserve.
Twenty One men had their throats cut because they believed in the same creator I do.
Twenty One families are grieving the loss of dads, brothers, husbands, sons, uncles, friends.
Twenty One faces so steadfast, brave, and dignified as they kneeled on a beach knowing they were about to take their last breath.
Twenty One men looking for work only to be lead to a beach and killed for their religious views.
Twenty One men who deserve to be remembered for their bravery and conviction.
Today I ask for Twenty One people to join me in honoring these men and professing your faith in a bold way. These men were Coptic Christians (Egyptian Christians) and thus I have pledged to get the Coptic Cross tattooed on my wrist and ask that you do the same. This tattoo is nothing new and worn by Coptic Christians around the world as a symbol of their faith.
"Therefore, the cross symbolizes not only membership in the Christian faith, but a remembrance of early Christian martyrs who died because they wore the cross and refused to renounce their faith"
I have to be completely honest with you. Tattoos have never been high on my list of "things to do" but it was the first thing that came to mind when wrestling with the idea of honoring those lives lost.
God calls us to do big things. Take bold steps.
If you would like to join me in this way honoring the Twenty One lives lost please post a picture to Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #21crossesfor21martyrs
I leave you with this
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