“It’s Alright to Cry”
12 “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Joel 2:12
When I got a whipping growing up, in addition to my mom saying, “Shut up before I really give you something to cry for,” after it was all over, she would say, “Now stop all that crying.” My dad, who now sleeps the long sleep of death, was no help. He didn’t believe in crying at all. Imagine that.
The times in which we live cause many of us to cry; a chaotic Oval Office exchange among world leaders. I cry. The cost of goods getting ready to exponentially increase. I cry. Government employees losing their jobs, thinking they had job security. I cry. Natural disasters and climate issues cause me to cry. Remember, it won’t be water but fire next time.
The prophet Joel let’s us know that it’s alright to cry. The Lord, HIMSELF, says, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” The Season of Lent is an appropriate time to lament to the only true and living GOD; one who can replace our tears with glorious hope. He is the one we can cast our cares upon because in HIM, our "mourning will turn to dancing." When the fast is over, the table is spread where HE will feed us ‘til we want no more.
During the next 40 days (and even beyond), it’s alright to cry. HE sees. HE knows. HE really does care.
Loving GOD, thank you for feeling our pain and drying our tears. May we grow closer to you in this season of renewal and reflection, trusting in You and knowing all will be well. In the name of JESUS! AMEN.
The Rev. Dr. Steven L. Lyons, Presiding Elder - Western District Western NC Conference
It’s Alright to Cry
12 “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Joel 2:12
When I got a whipping growing up, in addition to my mom saying, “Shut up before I really give you something to cry for,” after it was all over, she would say, “Now stop all that crying.” My dad, who now sleeps the long sleep of death, was no help. He didn’t believe in crying at all. Imagine that.
The times in which we live cause many of us to cry; a chaotic Oval Office exchange among world leaders. I cry. The cost of goods getting ready to exponentially increase. I cry. Government employees losing their jobs, thinking they had job security. I cry. Natural disasters and climate issues cause me to cry. Remember, it won’t be water but fire next time.
The prophet Joel let’s us know that it’s alright to cry. The Lord, HIMSELF, says, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” The Season of Lent is an appropriate time to lament to the only true and living GOD; one who can replace our tears with glorious hope. He is the one we can cast our cares upon because in HIM, our "mourning will turn to dancing." When the fast is over, the table is spread where HE will feed us ‘til we want no more.
During the next 40 days (and even beyond), it’s alright to cry. HE sees. HE knows. HE really does care.
Loving GOD, thank you for feeling our pain and drying our tears. May we grow closer to you in this season of renewal and reflection, trusting in You and knowing all will be well. In the name of JESUS! AMEN.
The Rev. Dr. Steven L. Lyons, Presiding Elder - Western District Western NC Conference