Tears in church, part two

The last four days have been weepy. Silly thing have brought me to tears. Small things. Memories. Songs. Writing this post. Sometimes it feels good to have a cry. Other times it’s exhausting. These past few days the tears have been good. Cleansing even.

We sat in the back at church yesterday because I knew I would cry. We have been traveling. When we go back to our home church after a long trip, I always cry more.

Last month, the last day before we left on this trip, I cried during service. A few folks said something. One gal lovingly asked if she could give me a hug. “You look like you could use one.” I love her for that. My friends are so kind! Comments like, “I’m sorry” and “I can’t imagine how you feel. Please know we care” really do mean a bunch to me.

If you were to stand on the platform and watch me during the song part of worship, you would see me smiling, joyfully praising God. And you might see tears at the same time. I love to worship in song, to lift my hands in praise, worship and surrender. Joy shines on my face even while the tears flow.

It felt strange sitting in back. I suppose it doesn’t matter if people see me cry. Next time it’s back up front for me!

Let them see my tears. Let them know I still grieve, still suffer! But let them also know that there is peace to be found in the midst of suffering if we are in Christ!!

Yes, my son died. Yes, it hurts. But YES! Jesus is still LORD and God is still on the throne! YES! I can still worship my Lord and Savior and experience the joy of freedom in Christ even with tears streaming down my cheeks!

I know my Redeemer lives! I know my son is with Christ! I know this life is but a vapor and we shall meet Him face to face one day.

I pray that my tears shout these truths to all who see me as I worship each Sunday morning. Tears and joy and all.

If you don’t have a church home, please find a bible-teaching fellowship and join them next weekend.

 

See “Tears in Church”

joy, tears


KathleenBDuncan

I write about my life, my journey, my family, and my faith. I am wife to one, mom to seven with one in heaven, and grandmother to many. I am also full-time caregiver to my stepmom E who suffers from dementia due to Alzheimer’s. In my spare time I like to read, travel, crochet, bike, and play with our black pug Molly.

Comments (9)

  • […] “The last four days have been weepy. Silly thing have brought me to tears. Small things. Memories. Songs. Writing this post. Sometimes it feels good to have a cry. Other times it’s exhausting. These past few days the tears have been good. Cleansing even.We sat in the back at church yesterday because I knew I would cry. We have been traveling. When we go back to our home church after a long trip, I always cry more…” Read More: Tears in church, part two […]

  • Thank you for sharing. It’s been 5 years since I lost my Justin, my only child, in a car accident. I still cry every church service. I don’t go as much as I should, it’s just so hard. Sometimes I am ok; usually if it’s a children’s service, but most of the time I feel like I could just explode. The tears flow and a lot of times I just feel like screaming or running out, but I hold it together the best I can until the service is over and I can get to my car. Sundays can be the toughest day of the week for me!

  • It has been 19 mths since my 24 yr. old daughter died of asthma attack. Yes an asthma attack. I as a nurse still can’t wrap my head around a healthy girl dying of an asthma attack here in America. I still can’t get through praise and worship without crying, I even started going to a new church thinking that would help,but the tears still come. It is comforting to know I am not alone in this.Thank you for sharing your story. I am sorry for your loss but rejoice with you in the truth that we will see our children again!

    • Teresa,

      Folks don’t realize asthma kills. Still. Even in America. But it does. I am so sorry.

      You are not the only one who cries! When I posted this article on the While We’re Waiting Facebook page, many said that even 3,4 or 5 years after their loss tears sometime flow in church. It is comforting to know I am not alone.

      Yes, we rejoice that we will see our children again in heaven. And we grieve them while we wait.

      Blessings, peace and joy be yours today.

  • […] 12. Church is particularly difficult.  We may not know why, but we tend to get emotional at church. Even those of us who never cried at church before often cry now.  It is not that we are sad in church. It is just that being in worship, singing, and being in His presence bring the emotions to the surface.  For us, the reality of Heaven, Hell and life after death is more pronounced.  We are often overwhelmed by God’s love and greatness.  By His omnipotence.  By His grace and love that caused Him to send His only Son to die for me.  The reality of all of this is so…well, REAL!  If we cry at church, don’t try to comfort us and tell us it’s going to be okay or that you understand.  Just let us cry.  Offer a tissue and maybe a gentle hug.  Allow us to worship, even through our tears.  If a bereaved parent attends church alone, ask if you may sit by her.  And just be near.  Or better yet, offer to pick her up and let her ride with you. After service, don’t make light our messed up makeup or runny nose.  Give us a few moments to pull ourselves together.  Again, a gentle hug and an “I love you” or “I’m sorry you are hurting. I miss him, too” goes a long way. (Tears in Church, Tears in Church Part Two) […]

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