What's In the Heart...
Misplaced jewelry, a moment of sheer panic, and a desperate search for a missing cross turned into a profound spiritual revelation in this reflections piece for sundaybelievers.org. When a simple wardrobe change led to a frantic hunt across the bedroom, an internal question struck: Had removing a worn symbol compromised true faith, or was anxiety bordering on idolatry? In the middle of the chaos, a gentle reminder broke through—it is not what you wear on your heart, but what is in the heart that truly matters. Explore how an everyday slip of memory reveals the difference between leaning on external symbols and cultivating an intrinsic, Christ-centered faith.
OBEDIENCEFAITH
For the first time in years, as I dressed for an evening out, I noticed that my gold jewelry was clashing with the platinum silver pieces I wear every single day. Driven by the meticulous pull of my undiagnosed OCD, which demands harmony and order down to the smallest detail, I took off my platinum necklace—which included my cherished cross. Later that evening, when I finally returned home and went to slip back into my comfortable daily gear, a cold wave of panic hit: I couldn't quite remember where I had placed the jewelry. It felt like that rare, heavily exaggerated urban myth come to life—a proverbial "senior moment" happening in real time. Yet, in my own defense, I am a gemstone e-commerce retailer, so jewelry isn't just an accessory to me; its precise whereabouts and security are a matter of professional instinct and daily life.
I panicked and prayed at the exact same time, wildly tearing through my bedroom in a desperate hunt specifically for my cross. Yet, even in the middle of that intense adrenaline rush, a strange and probing question broke through: Did my panic have a dual meaning? I felt as though I needed that physical piece of metal simply to maintain my psychological sanity. Doubts began to spiral—Am I an idolater? Have I somehow broken faith or lost my standing just because I unclasped and removed a cross I've worn faithfully for years?
Through every cascading level of doubt and panic, as I practically ravaged my room searching for it, I finally stopped long enough to catch my breath. In that quiet stillness, an internal voice spoke up with absolute calm: “It’s not what you wear on your heart, it’s what’s in the heart that matters.” It was a truth so simple, yet one I had somehow never truly acknowledged until that very moment. A profound wave of immediate relief washed over me as I understood the reality: my cross was only a symbol of my belief, not the source of it. True faith isn't anchored to a chain around the neck; how I feel and treat others should be built intrinsically through Christ, letting my actions reflect His teachings outwardly to the world rather than relying on an accessory to validate my soul.
Have you ever found yourself, much like I did, desperately searching for something you genuinely believed completely represented who and what you are—only to eventually learn that it is merely a symbol of who you are or what you believe? Or perhaps you have faced an even harsher, more sobering reality: realizing that a particular person, place, or thing never truly reflected your beliefs, values, hopes, or dreams at all.
Whether we look to certain people, special places, or cherished things to give us a sense of protection, comfort, or courage, the truth is that these are gifts that should ultimately come from within through our living relationship with Christ. I think we all intellectually know this to be true, but in the rush and distraction of daily life, we sometimes simply forget.
Although I still work hard in my business to earn and enjoy my "glam" pieces, I realize now more than ever that those material blessings simply cannot compare to the deep internal courage, comfort, and peace that a person can have through authentic faith, worship, and obedience to God. It is such an indescribable blessing to truly know and love Jesus!
I want to encourage you today to discover your own intrinsic cross—that internal thought, feeling, or action that truly calibrates you with God, His profound sacrifices, and His unique purpose for your life.
S.K. Caraway, Director
thesonyakarolfoundation.org
As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart