Take up your cross

Before we get started, check out my latest on Locals, here; Coffee and Christianity: Episode 86: Why I'm skeptical of most "deconstruction" stories

Hey y'all, since I can't remember if I've written about this, I thought I would. I mean, I need something.
Anyway, I hurt myself a couple of years ago walking home from church, and am in chronic pain. I need a CT scan and possibly a surgery (if you want to help me with that, go here Help with Medical Bills). (The problem is, it isn't possible to diagnose my injury by x ray)
While I am annoyed by it, and it does hurt (especially when waiting in the confession line...), I'm reminded that I need to take up my cross.
Look, I've had a hard life. And I know I've written about that, (Suffering is required, What my father's death taught me about redemptive suffering, Thank you, Dad), and this is a major annoyance (since I can't have gainful employment until I get my CT scan, which I can't afford), but, all things considered, it's not the worse thing that's happened to me.
And, I feel like so many people forget this. Now, let me get this out of the way. Good can (and does) bring good out of suffering. BUT, there's nothing wrong with praying to alleviate suffering.
Anyway, when you think the pain becomes too unbearable, remember this,
“And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him den himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-23).
And,
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any many will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”
(Matthew 16:24-25).
(By the way, for those curious, I didn't put the second half of those passages, because I want to write something separate about them).
Take up your cross, follow Jesus.

Adam Charles Hovey is the founder of the Catholicism, News, and Whatever community on Locals, and is the host of the weekly Bible study, Coffee and Christianty

*All verses are from the King James Version