Every time we travel to Sedona, we make a stop at The Chapel of the Holy Cross. Yes, it is a Roman Catholic chapel, but I truly believe the beauty of this chapel is absolutely universal.

The site of the chapel was chosen after Marguerite Brunswig Staude saw a formation just to the east of the site that looks like Mary holding baby Jesus and presenting him to three wisemen.

From Gateway to Sedona: 

The Chapel of the Holy Cross was a gift from Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a sculptress, philanthropist, and devout Catholic, who believed the arts should be in service of spirit and indeed, considered the Chapel of the Holy Cross to be her greatest artistic achievement and the fulfillment of her life’s mission. In 1932 Staude had an epiphany. While she gazed upon the newly completed Empire State Building, she saw a cross superimposed on the structure, and she thought, “What an idea for a church!” This idea, which affirmed her belief that churches should speak to the people of their time, would haunt and inspire Staude. “God can be worshipped as a contemporary–bringing him closer to earth and every one of us,” she said.

She is so tiny next her daddy, but she was determined to walk it on her own and not be carried. When I was going through the pictures after trip, I loved that I captured this sweet time. She is the tiny, mighty human that wants to keep up with her brothers and sister.

When they were younger, I can remember having many talks about being a team. Siblings are there forever and can be your cheerleader, sharing memories and carrying your troubles, if you let them and if you work at it.

Watching them become friends, not just siblings, has been such an honor.