Susan Greene receives a lot of feedback from her readers because of the articles she writes. She had been condemned and judged by so many for doing her job as a journalist for the Denver Post.
In this article she describes her first encounter with Arthur Blessitt and his 12-foot cross. Here is an excerpt from the article:
"What's up?" I asked after he finally ended his conversation.
"Oh, just walking. Trying to keep a strong pace. Getting my heart rate up," he answered without mentioning the 45 pounds of redwood he had resting on his shoulder.
Arthur Blessitt went on to explain that he lives nearby in Lowry. As it happens, he has spent 41 years carrying his cross on all seven continents, 315 countries, island groups and territories. He has survived in 52 war zones, been hit by two cars and made the Guinness World Records for the "World's Longest Walk."
"Walking Lowry is a lot less challenging," he said. "I've spent a lifetime trying to reinterpret this cross around the world. It gets a bad rap. People get defensive. But what I'm saying is simple. That God loves me. He knows me. And he cares. People can stop and talk about that message. Or they can drive by."
Never in 40,000 miles has Blessitt, 69, shouted in judgment outside an abortion clinic. Never has he used his crucifix to block a gay-pride parade. And not once has he ever wished hellfire on a columnist.
I find that refreshing in a man with a giant cross.
