Emergencies sometimes come in the middle of the night but this one came at noon. A frantic call came to the church from a young wife and mother. She and her attorney-husband were leaders in our church. Their little daughter was about four years old. Two days earlier he had been on the golf course, feeling fine. But now he was in the hospital ICU fighting for his life. A mysterious infection was sweeping through his body. He seemed to have no defenses against this particular virus. Within 24 hours he was dead.

I recall taking his wife's hand and praying fervently. My other hand was in my pocket, clutching this little metal cross which I always carry. Somehow as I touched that cross, I felt a little closer to the Christ in whom we live and move and have our being.

I do not carry this little …