A Place to Cry

You will weep no longer. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. Isaiah 30:19 (New American Standard Bible)

Trials, heartaches, loss, betrayal, disappointment, and rejection are the very things that bring us to tears. Some would rather die than let someone see them cry. This can be for a variety of reasons but I suspect a leading reason is because of how their tears were received when they were younger.

A negative response to one's tears can embed lies in their minds. It did not matter if pain was the factor, deep hurt was the culprit, or any other scenario whereby tears were appropriate. Instead of comfort they received scorn. Instead of being embraced, they were sent away to their room. Instead of compassion, they found cold hearts.

I am not a person who shows emotion easily. When I am hurting or struggling I tend to get quiet and find a way to avoid conversation as well as eye contact. When asked how I am I can easily respond with “fine” and look for ways to change the subject. As God leads individuals into my life I am slowly learning to open up and take the “risk” of sharing. Each time I do, the hindrances seem to lessen, as do my fears that I will become a burden to others or they will walk away when my feelings and thoughts are exposed. This is possible when the heart of Jesus is felt through others. They help me to more clearly see His words that say, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

There use to be a time (not too long ago) when tears made me feel uncomfortable and vulnerable. I felt uneasy letting anyone know I was hurting THAT much. What changed? I learned that tears were beneficial. I learned that people weren't as uncomfortable with my tears as I thought. But above all, I learned my tears touch the heart of God and stir Him to action. When I cry over loss, hurt, or fear, it is His comfort I now seek. I want to feel his embrace and hear His words of comfort whispered in my ear. I have a dear friend who can put her arms around me and speak words of comfort to me in amazing ways. That has become my picture of what my loving, heavenly Father is like as well.

I find assurance that my cries do not fall on deaf ears, a cold heart, closed eyes, or folded arms. During the greatest losses and pains of my life, His shoulder has been the one I could always bury my face in until my tears and energy were both spent. The comfort and compassion He gives goes beyond even that of my dearest friends.

Father, one day You will wipe away all my tears, but until then You will allow me to cry on Your shoulder as You gently wipe my present tears. You know the reason each one falls. Amen.