I don’t consider myself to be a very religious person but I thought I would share an article/story that has had a profound impact in my life in a positive way.  In my early twenties my sister gave me what looks like a newspaper article that she cut out and it’s titled “The Cross Room”.  At the time my sister confronted me and asked why I seemed so depressed but I laughed it off and acted like life was great. I was really suffering from severe clinical depression struggling with the fact that I was different, gay.

I read the article two or three times before I understood the true meaning of the story. Today the article/story still gives me chills and helps me put things in perspective in comparison.   

“The Cross Room”

The young man was at the end of his rope. Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer. “Lord, I can’t go on,” he said. “I have too heavy of a cross to bear.” The Lord replied, “my son, if you can’t bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then, open the other door and pick out any cross you wish.” The man was filled with relief. “Thank you Lord,” he said, and he did as he was told. Upon entering the other door, he saw many crosses, some so large the tops were not visible. Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. “I’d like that one, Lord,” he whispered. The Lord replied, “my son that is the cross you just brought in”.

I have carried the cut out paper article in my business day planner for years now. It’s there to remind me when I am going through a struggle, that life, my struggle, is not so heavy after all. I have said this often in my tweets, success is a choice not a circumstance.  It’s true that we get put in circumstances that are beyond our control such as being gay but my “choice” is to live life true to who I am which has resulted in success.

Live Free!  Be You! All Out!