WORDS OF INSPIRATION

“28 Steps”

In Rome, there is a place people visit called the Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs. It is one of the most important and renowned sanctuaries in the Roman Catholic Church. The sanctuary gets its name from the 28 marble steps of the Holy Stairs, better known as “Scala Sancta.”

In the 4th Century A.D., the stairs were transported from Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem to Rome, and in 1589, the stairs were placed in front of the Sancta Sanctorum. Although the stairs probably wouldn’t catch your eye, they are significant for a unique reason. They are the exact steps that Jesus walked on his way to trial with Pontius Pilate. The 28 steps are made of white marble and are encased in wood for their protection. These steps are so holy that visitors are only allowed to climb on their knees.

For me, there were only 14 steps. Fourteen steps separated downstairs from upstairs in the home I grew up in. On that staircase, I experienced countless memories, both good and bad. On that staircase, my brothers and I rode boogie boards, pushed, shoved, and raced each other up and down. I marched up those steps numerous times after hearing “go to your room” by my parents. We gathered at the bottom of those stairs on Christmas morning. We tied our shoes on those stairs and cried on those stairs. On those stairs, I began to wonder if my dreams would come true. The older I got, the more I walked those 14 steps wondering where in life I was going.

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

Most of my young adult life was contaminated by my poor choices, an apathetic attitude, and no appetite for discovering my purpose. When Jesus walked those 28 steps that led him to trial with Pontius Pilate, he knew all too well that the verdict would be death. Regardless, he selflessly walked those steps that would end with pain, suffering, and judgment but walked tall, trusted God, and proudly answered the upward call to lead the way for us all.

Jesus courageously pursued you and I through the cross because of His great love and passion for an unhindered relationship with us. It is hard to believe that God called me to climb steps that led me to the altar where I gave my life to Christ eight years ago. How amazing is his love that he chose to climb steps to his death so I could climb steps to be saved?

BRYCE RUNGE is a former Division-1 football player and professional Rollerblader. He is an educator of 16 years with a passion for culture development, Motivational Speaking, and Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. Bryce and his wife, Suzanne, live in Prosper with their three children. For more information, visit brycerunge.com or follow @hebrycerunge

Jessica Larriviere

joins Anna Living Magazine

That cute little girl who looks like she is 16 is around town making a mark for Anna Living Magazine. She has joined our group as director of Marketing and Sales. Watch for her in your offices and businesses. She can help your business with advertising and marketing.

But as much as Jessica Larriviere loves meeting people in and around Anna, her first love is 8-year-old son, Landon. He is the most important person in her life and she loves spending as much time as possible with him.

After graduating Cum Laude from the University of North Texas with a major in photojournalism, she went to work in Colorado as Media Coordinator for Uncharted Waters Sports Ministry.

“The coolest part of my life, of course, was becoming a mom in 2012,” Larriviere says of her experiences. “I have a heart to tell people’s stories and that is why I love marketing so much. It gives people a voice for who they are, what they do and what they offer to society. I love it!”

Larriviere is also a local girl. She grew up in Van Alstyne, the second of five children, where she and her family attended the First Baptist Church and now she’s a resident of Anna.

Jessica Larriviere is on a path to do great things through marketing and advertising and Anna Living Magazine is excited to have such a talented sales director. She can make a difference for the businesses that advertise with the magazine.

She may be reached at 469-748-7848 or by email at Jessica@annalivingmagazine.com.