It’s Okay To Cry
Big girls don’t cry ……….. whatever .
Do you remember experiences when you were told not to cry in certain situations and to be strong. As a child, I remember an Elder chastising a young person for crying over a heartbreak. But what stands out is her husband’s response to the teen. “ God created each of our bodies. If we weren’t created to cry, why do we have tear ducts? Tear ducts transport tears from our eyes, provide protection and allow us an outlet. We can cry when we’re sad, angry and happy and scripture shows us that God hears us when we cry. So Daughter, let those tears flow.
Spiritual Benefits:
There are three times in Scripture that Jesus wept (John 11:35; Luke 19:41; Hebrews 5:7-9). Each is near the end of His life and each reveals what matters most to our loving God. Jesus is truly is “touched with the feeling of our infirmities” (Hebrews 4:15). When our tears flow, Jesus connects and translates the language of our cries.
Psalm 18:6: "In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears."
Psalm 34:17-18: "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Crying is seen as a way to release blocked energy or emotions that might be hindering spiritual growth. It's considered a way to cleanse the spirit and create space for positive energy. Crying is often associated with the process of grieving and coping with loss. It allows individuals to express their sorrow and begin the healing process.
Surrender and Acceptance: Crying can be an act of surrendering to one's emotions and experiences. This act of vulnerability can be seen as a step toward accepting and embracing the journey of life, including its ups and downs.
Emotional and Mental Benefit
Stress Relief: Crying can help relieve emotional stress and tension. Tears contain stress hormones, so shedding tears can be a way to release built-up emotional pressure. It can have a cathartic effect, helping to regulate mood and provide a sense of emotional release. It can be a way to express and process intense feelings, making it easier to navigate through challenging emotions.
Social Bonding: Crying in the presence of safe spaces can create a sense of connection and empathy. It can also signal to others that you are in need of support, fostering social bonds and emotional closeness.
Physical Benefits
Stress Reduction and Detoxification: Crying has been shown to lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol. This can contribute to a sense of relaxation and emotional relief.
Tears can help eliminate toxins from the body, including substances that build up due to stress. This natural detoxification process supports overall health. Crying can trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers. This can help reduce physical pain and promote a sense of well-being.
My mantra for decades has been that I love Jesus , my therapist and my Spiritual Director. Relationships with all of them remind me of being in places and space to let tears flow. I’ve attached the link to Koryn Hawthorne’s beautiful rendition - “Cry”
“It’s okay to cry …… Daughter, let the tears flow, whether from sadness, anger or joy. You have the right to do so ….” Sheila P. Spencer (Thank You Ancestor Elder)
Sheila
Koryn Hawthorne’s beautiful rendition - “Cry”