One night, after praying over Psalm 23 and asking God to give me an idea, I saw the image of a cross on the ceiling above me.
That moment became the beginning of the Shepherd’s Cross. Today, both the Shepherd’s Cross and the Courage Chain™ have appeared in British Vogue several times. In the August 2026 issue, they were presented together—carrying a message that began not in a design studio, but in prayer.
The night I saw the Shepherd’s Cross
I had been reading and praying over Psalm 23:
“The Lord is my shepherd… Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
I asked God to give me an idea for a new piece of jewellery. Then, one night, I was lying awake in bed when I suddenly saw the shape of a shepherd’s staff on the ceiling. Across it lay the shepherd’s rod. Together, they formed a cross.
The image was simple, but its meaning was clear.
The staff represents the Shepherd who leads and draws us close. The rod represents His protection. Together, in the shape of the cross, they became a reminder of Jesus—the Good Shepherd who guides us, watches over us and never abandons us.
What I had seen that night became the inspiration for the Shepherd’s Cross.
What does the Shepherd’s Cross mean?
The Shepherd’s Cross is a Christian necklace designed as a quiet reminder of Psalm 23 and the presence of Jesus in everyday life.
Psalm 23 does not tell us that we will never walk through difficult valleys. It tells us that we do not walk through them alone. The Shepherd is with us. His guidance and protection remain, even when we cannot yet see the road ahead.
My hope is that the cross will remind its wearer:
You are known. You are protected. You are never alone.
The story behind the Courage Chain™
The Courage Chain™ carries a message from another Bible verse close to my heart, Joshua 1:9:
“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Biblical courage is not the absence of fear. It is choosing to take the next step while trusting that God goes with us.
The links of the Courage Chain™ can remind us of connection—with God, with one another and with the purpose He has placed in our hearts. Worn together with the Shepherd’s Cross, the two pieces carry one united message: we can walk with courage because our Shepherd walks with us.
Christian jewellery in British Vogue
Both the Shepherd’s Cross and the Courage Chain™ have been published in British Vogue several times. Seeing them together in the magazine’s August 2026 issue is something I find difficult to put into words.
ZOE HOOP Jewelry Courage Chain Necklace with the Shepherd’s Cross, featured in British Vogue August 2026.
ZOE HOOP Jewelry is a small Swedish jewellery brand founded outside Gothenburg. For these faith-inspired pieces to travel from a prayer in the night to the pages of British Vogue feels extraordinary.
I am deeply grateful—but the greatest meaning is not the publication itself.
My prayer is that someone will notice the cross. Perhaps a reader who needs hope will pause for a moment. Perhaps someone will become curious about Psalm 23 or Joshua 1:9. Perhaps a person facing an uncertain season will be reminded that God is near, even before she fully understands what she is searching for.
If that happens, the jewellery has fulfilled its deepest purpose.
Swedish jewellery with faith and meaning
ZOE HOOP Jewelry creates Swedish Christian jewellery with messages rooted in the Bible. Every piece is designed to be more than something beautiful to wear. It is intended to carry hope, start conversations and help people keep God’s Word close in everyday life.
ZOE means “life”. HOOP represents the circle—a symbol of eternity, belonging and connection. The jewellery is designed in Sweden and created with care for people and the world we share.
The Shepherd’s Cross and Courage Chain™ can be worn as personal expressions of faith or given as meaningful Christian gifts to someone beginning a new chapter, walking through a difficult season or needing a reminder of courage and God’s presence.
A reminder for you today
Perhaps you are standing before something new. Perhaps you are praying for direction, carrying a concern for someone you love or trying to find the courage to take your next step.
You do not need to see the whole road before moving forward.
Be strong and courageous. The Lord is your Shepherd. You never walk alone.
Frequently asked questions
What inspired the Shepherd’s Cross? After praying over Psalm 23 and asking God for an idea, ZOE HOOP founder Caroline Johansson saw a shepherd’s staff and rod forming a cross on the ceiling above her. She drew the image, which became the Shepherd’s Cross.
Which Bible verses inspired the jewellery? The Shepherd’s Cross is inspired by Psalm 23, particularly the shepherd’s rod and staff. The Courage Chain™ is inspired by Joshua 1:9 and its call to be strong and courageous because God is with us.
Have the Shepherd’s Cross and Courage Chain™ appeared in British Vogue? Yes. Both pieces have been published in British Vogue several times, and they appeared together in the August 2026 issue.
Who designed the Shepherd’s Cross and Courage Chain™? They were designed by Caroline Johansson, founder of ZOE HOOP Jewelry, a Swedish Christian jewellery brand based in Gothenburg, Sweden.
ZOE HOOP JEWELRY is featured once again in British Vogue, July 2026, with the Courage Chain™ Bracelet — a meaningful Christian bracelet inspired by Joshua 1:9 and created as a modern reminder of strength, courage and quiet resilience.
Discover ZOE HOOP in British Vogue June 2026 and the meaning behind the Courage Chain™ Necklace — a faith-inspired, sustainable piece symbolizing courage, unity, and the strength found in standing together. Crafted in recycled sterling silver and finished with a generous layer of recycled 18K gold.
Discover ZOE HOOP in Vanity Fair Spring 2026 and the newly launched Courage Chain™ necklace—a faith-inspired, sustainable piece that symbolises strength, guidance, and hope.
