A Trail of Tears: Part Deux

Wow, today I was blown away by the number of people who either verbally, or in writing:

• Agreed with; sympathized with; or identified with  last night’s post
• Showed concern for me; making sure I wasn’t ready to “jump”, or lovingly ensuring that my sadness wasn’t overwhelming or long-lasting
• Complimented my writing ability….  (Thanks, you two!)

When one person said, “it was kind of sad” – I quickly recalled the words of a very wise pastor at a marriage conference several years ago.  He spoke of anger – not being a sin (as is often perceived); but anger being a God-given emotion.  At the conference he elaborated, indicating it’s what the person “does” with their anger that determines if it crosses over into sin.  Anger directed inward = depression; anger directed outward = rage.  For several reasons, that session never left my recollection.

Similarly, I see sadness as another God-given emotion.  “Jesus wept.”  - If Jesus wept, and He was without sin – why should it be wrong for the rest of us?  Surely, He models that feeling sadness or grief is acceptable. As with most things, I’m sure moderation is key.  If we live in a perpetual state of despondency, then something is clearly wrong and appropriate aid is needed.  (Another reason we should live in community!)  In all transparency, I’ve been there too.  In the past – depression invaded my life.  Relief was sought via counseling and at points, medication.  Many of my friends and family members have done the same and in no way, do episodes of depression or it's treatment convey a weakness.    For some, taking medication for depression is no different than medication for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, sexual dysfunction or ADHD.   Somewhere along the way, society decided to make it taboo.

Anyway,  this is just a quick update to let my friends and family know that all is well.  Last night’s tears served their purpose as “salt tablets”. It felt good to wail and I believe those tears were truly God-ordained.  They pulled me toward the Word, to a deeper place in prayer…and at the same time – weeping freely felt plainly therapeutic!  Not much has changed in the situations my friends, family and I are facing….but my outlook has. 

For now, I’m getting ready for a delayed birthday dinner with a friend at one of my new favorite restaurants, “Seed.”   I am blessed – every day and in every circumstance.  Sometimes, it’s just a matter of clearing out the cobwebs and vetting thoughts and emotions against the grid of God’s unfailing promises.

Off to dinner….