Welcome

The Cross Orlando is a congregation of people living under the reign of God. We gather together regularly, we're working in all sectors of our city and are always looking for ways to better care for each other. But a great first step in meeting us, is to check out these blogs that our folks manage.

terazzo, coffee, and kids

Advent

by Ben

Sunday starts a new church year, it’s the first Sunday of Advent. It’s a four week period to prepare for the coming of Christ. As we celebrate his coming in the manger, we prepare for his return in glory. Hopefully it’s a time that puts things into perspective. This season often highlights our limitations (what … Continue reading Advent

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terazzo, coffee, and kids

Lazy Days

by Ben

This past Monday I had the laziest day I can remember having. It was lovely and a little (not a lot) overdue. In general I like working, even when I take days off I usually like getting a task done or something accomplished. Monday I got almost nothing done, and liked it.  There’s a story … Continue reading Lazy Days

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terazzo, coffee, and kids

Faith to Sight

by Ben

A while ago, at a Sunday morning gathering, we spoke about the woman who’d been widowed that Jesus acknowledged gave more than any of the pharisees. It was a two coins. That story comes in the context of Jesus critiquing the way the Pharisees like calling attention to their piety. They walked up and made … Continue reading Faith to Sight

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terazzo, coffee, and kids

Last Crusade?

by Ben

It’s sometimes so hard to believe that God empowers the humble. Remember the scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade where Indy is rushing to get through the obstacles that protect the Holy Grail? He gets to the “leap of faith” and literally steps out into an open expanse. As a kid, watching that … Continue reading Last Crusade?

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terazzo, coffee, and kids

faith & doubt

by Ben

This past Sunday we considered the story when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. It’s a bonkers story that is part of the bedrock of the people of God throughout time. Part of the identity of our God is “the one who split the Red Sea.” The mythic quality of the story can obscure the … Continue reading faith & doubt

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terazzo, coffee, and kids

Team Sport

by Ben

Life is a team activity. Part of my work has me leading an effort to support social entrepreneurs from all over the world. For four months we’re meeting with them over zoom twice a week helping them take the next step as the build a venture that accomplishes good in the world and generates money. … Continue reading Team Sport

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terazzo, coffee, and kids

Some time ago

by Ben

The notion of dropping babies into the Nile River is so brutal. I read a story once of a Fire Fighter finding a baby abandoned in a dumpster. I suppose people are capable of all sorts of things and coming from all sorts of situations. We don’t get a clear picture, in the Scriptures, of … Continue reading Some time ago

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terazzo, coffee, and kids

Confounding Moments

by Ben

I spoke to a friend today who’s been in conversation for a new role at work for almost a year. I spoke with another friend who’s looking to start a side project to increase his monthly income and help pay some bills. I spoke to another friend who’s been balancing competing priorities to manage cash … Continue reading Confounding Moments

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terazzo, coffee, and kids

five good miles

by Ben

I got in five miles this morning. I have a five mile loop that I run at least twice a week. I can make it around almost without thinking. I know where the half-way point is, where each little uphill section is, which trees I’ll have to duck under and where to watch out for … Continue reading five good miles

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terazzo, coffee, and kids

Faith For What

by Ben

I’ve been thinking this week about the direction or purpose of faith. Of course ultimately believing that Jesus is King aligns us with reality. His resurrection from the dead is the demonstration that God has seated him in authority and that each of his promises will come to pass. But, that reality is hard to … Continue reading Faith For What

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