Religion column: My tears are tears of love

When my granddaughter Traci was small, she said, "My mawmaw is a Christian because she cries a lot." I guess crying is what I do best. To me a good cry is tears of love. I cry when my children go home after a visit. I cry when I hear the song "Sentimental Journey," our song while Emmitt was in the Army. I cry in a movie. I cry when my pets die.

I believe that crying is showing that you care. My tears are a relief for me. It doesn't mean I'm not trusting God. It means I'm a human in this world. I'm not in heaven yet, where there is no crying or adversities. I cry tears of love while living on Earth because I love.

Many biblical characters cried tears of love. Joseph wept loudly before he made himself known to his brothers. (Genesis 45:1-3)

In Psalm 18:6 David said, "In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears."

Think of the tears Mary had as she looked at her son on the cruel cross. I'm sure her sacrifice was terribly painful but I'm also sure she knew it had to be to save mankind for those who believe.

Jesus wept too. He came to Earth and experienced every emotion we have, yet he conquered life eternal on the cross. "They will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 21: 4 NIV).

Meanwhile we are still on planet Earth. Until Jesus comes we keep our trust despite trials. He is the only hope.

Yes I have gone through trials but Jesus has never left me. My faith is even stronger and I will praise him.

I love Psalm 56:8 in the King James Version: "Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?"

Did you know Malachi 3:16 talks about a Book of Remembrance? "Then those who honored the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened and heard them. The names of those who honored the LORD and respected him were written in his presence in a book to be remembered" (NCV). This is a book I surely want to be in!

"Those who sow tears shall reap joy. Yes, they go out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, and return singing, carrying their sheaves" (Psalm 126:3 TLB).

My tears are tears of love.

"…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." (Psalm 30:5).

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is: [email protected]