Imagine this: a pastor and a barber engage in a thought-provoking conversation in a barber shop. It's not just a casual chat about the weather or the latest sports game, but a deep dive into one of life's most perplexing questions: If God exists, why do bad things happen to good people? The barber, skeptical about the existence of God, finds his perspective challenged by the pastor, not through a theological debate but through a simple yet profound analogy involving a homeless man, a barber, and the choice to seek help.

This story opens a window into a broader reflection on encountering the living God, especially in the face of adversity and doubt. It sets the stage for "The Cross Shaped Life," a journey that invites us to look beyond the surface of our trials and tribulations and find the deeper meaning of faith, sacrifice, and resurrection.

As we explore this story, we're reminded of the importance of encountering Jesus in our daily routines. It's not as simple as Sunday church visits; it's about engaging in a personal, daily connection with the Good Shepherd. It’s an opportunity to see His love at work in the world and in our lives. But how often do we pause and reflect on this presence? How frequently do we give ourselves the opportunity to genuinely encounter Him?

The imagery of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey presents a striking contrast between the notion of worldly power and divine humility. While leaders may flaunt their strength and authority, Jesus chooses a path of vulnerability and sacrifice. In a world riddled with conflict, fear, and uncertainty, He offers a different way—a way of peace, healing, and salvation that starts from within.

The story of Holy Week mirrors our own lives, filled with hope, pain, love, sadness, and happiness. It encourages us to consider what it means to live a holy life, set apart for a specific purpose, to bring health and wholeness to our being. This important time calls for us to look inward and think about our physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Reflecting on our lives isn't just a stopping point; it's the start of a journey toward change. When we think about Holy Week and Jesus's resurrection, it invites us to see how these stories mirror our own. Are we truly living the life Jesus made possible through his sacrifice? Are we embracing the love and new beginnings he offers us right now, not just in the future?

We don’t just want to revisit stories from the Bible. Here’s an invitation to dive into a personal journey, to see our reflection in the narrative of Jesus's life, his ultimate sacrifice, and his resurrection. It encourages us to examine our own paths. Perhaps we resemble the barber, doubting God's existence amid hardships, or the disciples, grappling with the reality and meaning of Jesus's passing.

Through this lens, we find more than a story of suffering. The cross shines as a symbol of hope, guiding us toward living with kindness, humility, and love. Following the cross-shaped life isn't about taking the easy path. It challenges us to change, to set aside our own wants and plans, and to live for something bigger.

As we follow this story, let's not forget that Jesus's resurrection marks the beginning, not the end. It's the start of a life characterized by the presence of the Holy Spirit, by transformation from the inside out, by a daily choice to follow Jesus and by reflecting His love in the world.

So, as we think about what it means to live a cross-shaped life, we have to ask ourselves: Are we just watching from the sidelines, or are we ready to jump in, face the tough parts, and find joy in a closer relationship with God? Are we prepared to live by Jesus's example of love and sacrifice, not by what the world tells us is important?

The cross-shaped life invites us to a deeper, more meaningful way of being. It's a call to live not just for ourselves, but for the One who died and rose again so we could have a truly full life. Are we ready to say yes to this call?