Our Tears To Cry

“A dry eye reveals a dry heart”

A few years ago I was in a training to volunteer for a human trafficking street team. Our trainer was teaching us core things about the experience, the organization and what we could expect. She gave us a thorough history on the issues of trafficking in our city and I was definitely concerned about the information I was learning. There was one particular thing that she said that I clearly remember, that stuck with me, but in a new light.

She preceded to give examples of how our nights would be on the street team. That sometimes we would encounter tough situations in which we needed to know that we are there to support the victim. She gave an example of a time where a volunteer spoke with a woman on the street. The victim shared with her some trials she had and the volunteer began to cry. The lady who was being trafficked, then preceded to console the volunteer, while they cried in her arms.

Though I’m sure it was a tough and traumatic issue she shared, it would’ve been best to be of support to the victim at that moment, instead of the other way around. During the story she went on to emphasize to us that “it was not our tears to cry”. I remember it like it was yesterday. Though I know what she meant, it felt like the phrase was a code to be "strong without caring", like a soldier. Weeks later as I read my bible more and more I could see that the very opposite of her statement was true. As I read my Bible more and saw the compassion of Jesus throughout the pages, it was then when I realized, it is our tears to cry.

"When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then He said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.…" (Matthew 9:36)

All day long, we see people who carry so many burdens. People who live on the streets, can’t feed their children, strife in families and those who are sick with diseases. We also hear of news of terrible events happening around the world. Though you can’t always do anything about it, you can have compassion, and that was the life lesson I learned from the previous scenario. Jesus looked on the crowd and was moved at people who were hurting, I believe we should do the same.

Be like the Savior vs Being the Savior

I was reading one of my favorite books called “Crazy Busy” and one of my favorite things he said was “I am not the Christ”. He began to talk about the fact that there are many issues in our world, and though we care about the issues that are going on, we cannot possibly solve everything or do something concerning everything going on around us, but we can care. Now-a-days there is so many world issues, and I will be the first to say that I do not have all the answers to every problem but I do ask God to help me care. To have compassion for those effected and to give the same grace we would need if we were in times of trouble.

Through life I've learned If its in your ability to do something, act. If you cant do anything, that is fine as well. But in all things pray. If you find yourself desensitized to all the things going on around you, pray for compassion. Ask to not get to a point of total disconnect from people and their issues. And remember, whether you're effected or not, these are your tears to cry.

30 ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)

Until Next Time,

Jess