Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galations 6:2

Recently, I passed by Chick‑Fil‑A and the sign read “Drive-Through or Mobile Orders Only.” Tears came to my eyes. Just days earlier, I was having a conversation with the store manager about what steps they were taking regarding the coronavirus. The tears came not because I might have to do without Chick‑Fil‑A (which would be bad enough!), but because the world was shifting so very quickly that it took my breath away.

Did you know that we have different types of tears? According to Henry Cloud, we have tears of grief, tearsof change, onion tears, and laughing tears, and they actually have different molecular structures. Who knew? Our tears have very different functions depending on the kind of emotion they are carrying.

Tears come as you express how you are metabolizing events in your life, heart, mind and soul. So, each one of them is doing its own work, carrying the message of what you have been and are going through.

This week, many of our women’s communities met in virtual communities online. There, I saw many faces and many tears. Stories of grandmothers having to make hard choices about not being able to see their grandchildren, a woman that had to let go all of her employees, and women who are no longer able to visit their mothers or fathers who are isolated in nursing care facilities. The list goes on.

Tears are in our eyes for a reason. They need to be seen by someone who cares in order for us to be healed.

For Reflection

• What type of tears are you crying these days? Journal about what they might be telling you.

• Who could you call/see today (Facetime or online) that might need to release some tears with you?

• This week, watch a funny movie and cry some ‘laughing’ tears. It will be good for your soul.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of tears, the gift of your presence in our life and the gift of technology that helps us to stay connected during this time. Grow us into more caring, authentic, and transparent people who can carry one another’s burdens. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.