One time I heard a sermon on "Tears" and the preacher said that if you cannot cry it is probably due to some sin in your life.
The truth is that as I’ve grown into an adult, I haven’t been much of a crier. I cry when I am overwhelmingly sad but I know some who cry a lot, sometimes every week, for many reasons. I attribute my hardened emotions to bad relationships and my resolve to move forward and not hold on to the past. I'm a "pull yourself up by your bootstraps kind of a woman" and there just isn't any time for sitting down and crying when you have to keep a clear head and a vision for moving on.
However, lately I've been noticing that my right eye is tearing a little more than usual. Last night in our monthly Sister Circle, when the topic of mothers arose, I couldn't help but allow my tears to break free. I love my mother so much and there's nothing I wouldn't do for her. I have a loving relationship with her and as far as I know we're good.
Then today one of my friends tells me of a family situation that occurred with her and once again I started crying. Crying in two days is way too much for me!
I'm learning that shedding tears, crying, is sometimes the best medicine. Crying relieves tension. Crying with someone shows that you understand, you support and you can bond with them.
"Tears are a gift from God. They help us heal, and are a valuable aid to restoring inner calmness and peace. All of us have experienced times when we felt our heart would break, if we could not release the pent up emotions of sorrow, pain, anger, fear or disappointment. Emotional tears release harmful chemicals that build up in the body, due to stress."
It felt so good to allow myself a moment to roll my shoulders back and allow my release to come. I don't know how often this will happen but I know that the next time an emotion overcomes me, I simply must surrender ME and let go.
Lonnette Harrell
