Those Who Sow with Tears….

Several years ago, my friend Amy Camp, shared a story with me. Just before Christmas, an elderly couple from her church asked her to come by and bring communion to their home. The man had had a stroke and was unable to speak more than just a few words.

As Amy sat down and began to visit with this couple, the man began to cry. Just lightly at first, with tears rolling down his cheeks. Amy said in her very pastoral way, “It’s okay. It’s okay to cry. This is a safe place.” And then he began to weep. Once again, she said to him very gently, “It’s okay. You can cry.” And he did.

When he finally settled down, he communicated using gestures that he felt like he was a burden to his wife and that he was sorry. Then she began to cry and she said, “You are not a burden. I’m sorry for getting frustrated with you. I love you.” And then all three of them were crying.

They celebrated communion together, and after communion, the wife wanted to sing a hymn. She and Amy began to sing softly. As they did so, the man who could not speak, began to sing along with them – perfectly clear. He was singing freely and full of joy.

Amy’s story reminds me that our ability to share what’s on our hearts, to lament, or to cry, releases something in us. Tears clear the air and make room for joy to reenter. 

The psalmist put it like this: may those who sow with tears reap with shouts of joy (Psalm 126:5).

Let us pray: Loving and Gracious God, give us the courage to share what is deepest in our hearts. Receive our tears and cleanse us. Fill us this day with your Spirit and help us begin anew. In Jesus’ name. Amen.