"Am I therefore become your enemy,because I TELL YOU THE TRUTH...?"
(Galatians 4:16)

Bent cross to remain as symbol of strength

Parkersburg, Ia.-The cross is the eternal symbol of Christianity, a reminder of both Jesus' suffering during the crucifixion and the hope borne out of Christ's resurrection. There are three crosses atop the Parkersburg United Methodist Church.Two point skyward.The third cross bends eastward at an angle.The cross points in the same direction as the path of the tornado that roared through Parkersburg two months ago, when 200 mph winds descended upon this town of 2,000 people and eight churches. The tornado took six lives here while wiping clean the southern third of the town.Now, scores of destroyed homes are rising anew.But the bent cross atop the Methodist church won't be replaced.Here's why:Twenty-two of the church's parishioners lost their homes in the tornado. Many told the Rev. Betsy Piette that when they climbed out of their basements that afternoon and saw their houses gone, they looked south to see if their church was still there. Trees and houses were gone, so everyone had a clear view. What they saw on Parkersburg's horizon were the church's three crosses, one bent by the flying storm debris. The church had survived, its hymnals sitting perfectly in place, its sanctuary missing just one stained glass window.During the first church service after the tornado, Piette — who also lost her home — led the congregation in a group therapy session of sorts. Members spoke about the tornado. They spoke about survival. And one asked: What about the bent cross?Leave it that way, Piette said. The congregation shouted its approval. "We want people to know that we may be bent, but we're not broken," Piette said.And so, as this town rebuilds, the bent cross will stay bent.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008807210317
As in the days of Noah....