Known and Loved

Do you find yourself reaching for the tissues at the end of a movie? Are you someone who chokes up when you hear a tragic news report? I am. Do you sometimes feel ashamed for shedding tears that you want to hide away? Believe me, I can empathize.

Growing up, I was (and still am) very sensitive about everything and anything. There were certain shows I would avoid—anything to do with animals was a definite no—because I couldn’t cope with the emotions welling up inside of me. Music would have me swallowing back tears, and novels would have me sobbing in the night when everyone else was asleep. The news, especially concerning the elderly, would touch a nerve and stick with me for days.

For a long time, I was ashamed. When I was particularly saddened by something, I would walk away or switch something off. I was jealous of those people who didn’t cry easily. In fact, I wished I was like them because I believed they were tough. Emotions were an embarrassing weakness that I wanted to hide but somehow couldn’t. My tactic was avoidance.

Now, I’ve come to understand that being sensitive isn’t something to be ashamed of, and it can actually be a strength. You have a deep understanding of sorrow because you have experienced it yourself. It can be helpful to remember Jesus experienced and understands sorrow too (Hebrews 4:14-16). And remember that God made each of us wonderfully unique, and all different personality types are needed in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Some don’t cry easily and can keep people calm in a crisis, while others can create a compassionate space for people to process their emotions. We all need times we can think deeply, as well as times we can laugh. God created us to use our differences to love and serve one another. • Cindy Lee

• What kind of temperament has God given you? How might you be able to serve others?

• If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, it’s okay to ask people for help. If you need someone to talk to, you can set up an appointment for a one-time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service. In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Matt.9.20-Matt.9.22|Mark.5.25-Mark.5.34|Luke.8.43-Luke.8.48