Tears Are Allowed
Bible Reading: John 11:32-36; Revelation 21:1-4
Avery looked around with tears in her eyes. Everything still felt surreal. How could this be happening?
"Oh, sweetheart," her aunt whispered as she hugged her, "I want you to know that he loved you."
Avery couldn't believe she was at her uncle's funeral. He had been so young and healthy and full of life. Then, just like that, he was gone, and he wasn't coming back.
The next few months were hard for the whole family, and Avery was no exception. She loved her uncle, and she couldn't wrap her mind around the fact that he wasn't with them anymore. More than that, she couldn't understand why God would take him so suddenly. He was a good man, a Christian who loved his family and did what was right.
One afternoon as she was in her bedroom weeping softly, Mom walked in. "What's wrong, sweetie?" she asked.
"I just don't understand," Avery cried. "Why did God take him so soon? His family still needs him."
"To be perfectly honest with you, I don't know either," said Mom. "There are some things we just won't understand here on earth, and I'm afraid this is one of them. We just have to trust that Jesus will be with us through this and remember that He has conquered death and will make everything right again one day, just as He has promised us in His Word."
"I know that, and I do believe it," Avery said. "But is it okay that I'm still sad? I know he's in heaven and he's happy, but I miss him. My friends from church say I should just be happy for him and not think about myself." Avery sniffled again.
"It's perfectly normal and okay to be sad," Mom answered. "Jesus cried when His friend died, and He knew that he would soon be raised from the dead. There is nothing wrong with weeping or feeling sad when we lose someone we love."
Avery nodded. "Okay, good. Sometimes it helps to cry and admit when I'm sad."
Mom hugged her. "Anytime you need someone to talk to, I'm here. And remember, you can talk to Jesus about your feelings too. He understands."
"Thanks, Mom," Avery whispered. "With God's help, we're going to get through this."
-Madison Blizzard
How About You?
Have you lost someone you love? Do you feel sad about a tragedy in your life? Maybe it wasn't a tragedy, but something that made you really sad. Remember, Jesus cried, and it's okay for us to cry too. He understands and cares about our emotions. One day He will wipe all our tears away, but until then, He is with us when we cry. Talk to Him about your feelings, and don't be afraid to talk to an adult about them too.
Today's Key Verse:
Jesus wept. (NKJV) (John 11:35 )
Today's Key Thought:
It's okay to cry