The Wailing Women

We may not always see eye to eye, but I love my family…all of them. I look forward to their social media posts to see what the kids have been up to. I can’t wait for the holidays so I can hug them, and hear the latest drama. My sisters and brother are beautiful (and handsome!) to me. I can’t imagine facing eternity without them. I wouldn’t want to. The thought that I might, though, can drive me almost to tears.

Ever since I was little I hated crying. I thought it was a sign of weakness. During my trials I felt like crying was all I did. Seriously, when out in public a person can somewhat mask depression or anger, but if he or she cries everybody knows it! In my resistance to crying, though, did I forget how to cry? Did I forget what it feels like to be really sad or compassionate?

Regardless of which side you’re on (this is not a political lead in, nor do I want to discuss politics), the events occurring in this beloved nation are heartbreaking. Finances are dwindling, cherished family businesses are closing, properties are being damaged, and people are dying. Calamity is coming, and has come to our nation, but is anyone really sorrowful about it? Are we grieving? We have gotten angry, rose up, and are beginning to take our country back, but have we thought about why we are in this position to begin with? Have we remembered our sins or considered why our cloak of protection has been removed?

In the Bible there is a clear pattern. God’s chosen ones followed him obediently. Then, they grew dissatisfied and left his ways. Trouble came as a result of their sins, and they cried out to God for help and restoration. However, they didn’t learn anything because in the very next century, God’s people did it all over again. In Jeremiah 9:20, the prophet calls for the wailing women to “teach your daughters how to wail; teach one another to lament.” Is that where we’re at? Do we need professional mourners to remind us how sad our current condition is?

When I think of someone who might have died without knowing Jesus, I can’t handle it. I just can’t. I cry. There is no parole in hell. There is no “out on bond” or early release for good behavior. Hell is not a party with hot beaches and tropical drinks. It is unbearable sadness. Hell is never ending, physical pain and torture. Hell is debilitating fear, and overwhelming fury. So maybe I have not lost my compassion. I would rather you dislike me than to keep my mouth shut, and risk you going to hell. I just can’t handle the thought of you there. I love you.

In 2 Corinthians 7:9-10, Paul said he was happy the believers were sad, not because they were suffering, but because their sorrow led to repentance…living differently. Let’s cry for our sins. Honestly, believer or not, you have to admit we’ve messed up. Cry with me. Then let’s get up, dust ourselves off, and turn back to the only One who can lead us!

I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13

“…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14