The Hope of Tears in Painful Times By Bob Jones

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12, ESV)

Henri Nouwen wrote in his book, The Return of the Prodigal Son, that "it is often difficult to believe that there is much to think, speak or write about other than brokenness."

The themes of affliction, brokenness, prayer, tenacity, hope, and joy have been constants in my pastoral and writing journeys. When I show up on a Sunday to share a message with congregations I know their one common experience will be pain of some measure. When I write, I know readers will relate to stories of setbacks, tears, and comebacks.

Ancient advice to followers of Jesus is timeless wisdom for today: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12, ESV) These trilogies of trust create a therapeutic framework for tears.

The Metamorphosis of Your Soul

Tears are the language of the soul. When they are turned toward God, they are never wasted nor shed in vain. Though often shunned by man they are treasured by God.

Many Hebrew words for grieving, weeping and lamentation actually mean “to distill,” which means to “separate and change from one substance to another.” This word beautifully describes God’s renewing work in the midst of our tears. In the life long metamorphosis of our souls, God is continually transforming us into the image of Christ. The tears we pour out at the feet of Jesus, both joyful and sad, are the distillation of God’s eternal work in our lives.

Ken Gire wrote in Windows of the Soul, “In each tear is distilled something of eternity, something of love and compassion and tenderness, all things that originate in heaven and come to earth as a sacrament to the soul.” The closest communion with God comes through the sacrament of tears. Just as grapes are crushed to make wine and grain to make bread, so the elements of this sacrament come from the crushing experiences of life. So much is distilled in our tears, not the least of which is wisdom in living life. 

Going Forward Through Pain

I have frequently shared at funerals that if you follow your tears you will find your heart. If you find your heart you will find what is important to God. And if you find what is important to God you will know the answer to how you should go forward with your life.

I am assisting a woman to write her story of childhood sexual abuse. Through her tears she found what was important to God. As an eight-year-old she attended the same church as her abuser. He was family and a respected member of his community. Her little girl prayers were answered in adult life when she found healing. She turned her pain into hope by building a world class centre of recovery for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Jesus is distilling her tears into personal renewal and for the brokenness suffered by boys and girls.   

Jesus will do the same for you, and through you as a writer. 

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I am a recovering perfectionist who collects Coca-Cola memorabilia and drinks iced tea. My walls are adorned with our sons’ framed football jerseys, and my bookshelves, with soul food. 

I write to grow hope, inspire people to be real, forge an authentic faith in Jesus, and discover their life purpose.

Please follow my writing at REVwords.com

Why I Love to Write by Tandy Balson

To paraphrase Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “How do I love writing? Let me count the ways.”

There are many reasons for my love of writing but the primary one is the connection I feel with God. I clearly remember receiving the call to start writing.

After days of getting inspiration in unexpected places, I thanked God for what he’d been teaching me. Then, I prayerfully asked if there was something I should be doing with these lessons. Immediately I received three words, “write them down.” After doing so, I prayed again, thanking the Lord for prompting me to preserve the words he’d given me so they wouldn’t be forgotten.

That’s when I learned he wanted more from me. Three new words were given, “Now, share them.” Writing and sharing my words were nothing I’d considered before. Initially, I resisted. When I finally obeyed, he gave me more thoughts to share.  Although unsure what to write about, he provided the inspiration.

When I sit down to write, I’m not always sure what will be going on paper. The element of surprise is another reason I love to write. Often the words take on a life of their own and flow in directions I hadn’t planned. It’s always exciting to see where they may lead.

When troubling times appear, my love of writing has been a form of therapy for me. After pouring my thoughts and feelings onto the page, I feel much better. This is something I had never done before the call to write. It’s an intimate form of prayer.

Another reason I love to write is the new eyes and ears I’ve gained. Snippets of conversation now present deeper meaning. Sights and sounds of nature provide abundant lessons to write about. I’m never sure if these lessons are for me alone or if they will speak into other hearts. I only know I am passionate about capturing and sharing them.

When I write, I imagine myself as a pen in the hand of God. I feel incredible blessed to be called to serve the Lord in this way. What better reason could there be to keep me engaged in this noble pursuit?

 “All this,” David said, “I have in writing as a result of the Lord’s hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details of the plan.” 1 Chronicles 28:19 NIV