In a turning point in Mark's Gospel story, Jesus tries to explain to his disciples that following him may not look the way they're hoping. At the least, this will not be an easy ride characterized by victory and triumph. This journey of transformation will include some suffering, or some challenge to their previous lives and expectations. One part of this passage, the teaching that followers of Jesus must "take up their cross," has often been misused to tell people they shouldn't advocate for themselves or leave unhealthy situations. Eric will offer a different interpretation for our context: the need to begin with the truth about ourselves as we are, and our world as it is, in order to make a real difference in that world.