I consider myself a tough cookie. After all, aren’t I a survivor? I’ve lived through more than my share—broken home by age three, poverty, hunger, homelessness, neglect, loss of a sibling at nine, violence, abuse in its many forms, and more than a few close calls with death.
BUT God!
However, there is a softer side to me as well. This thing called tears. Yes, a family member has even called me sentimental.
I cry over a lot of things. Losing a pet, or even an insect. A newborn’s first cry. A book, a song, a dance, a wedding, a movie. Sometimes even opening a gift or saying goodbye catches me off guard.
Mountains, rainbows, oceans, hummingbirds… they move me more than I care to admit. And when my grandchild called me “Mimi” for the first time, I completely lost it.
And yes, sometimes I cry when I’m hurt, scared, tired, or angry.
I don’t always want people to see that side of me. I’m supposed to be tough. Not weak. Remember?
Now I’m not much of a horse person, but I know enough to know that a horse is all grace and strength—every muscle, tendon, and ligament working together to carry a rider at full speed. Yet even that kind of power is guided by a bit in its mouth, moving where it is led.
When I read about Moses, I’m struck that he was described as the meekest man on earth. And when I read about Jesus, I see power beyond measure, yet fully restrained. His meekness was never weakness.
So, I say: It’s okay to let our guard down at times and reveal our softer, sensitive selves. It doesn’t mean we’re a softy, a weakling, or a pushover. Power under control means self-control, and that is a virtue. After all, we are human with God-given emotions. Besides, God bottles our tears.
And because God loves us so much, sometimes I wonder if God cries too.
© M.A. Perez 2013, All Rights Reserved
From Heart to Heritage
Reflections From the Heart 
This is such a wonderful post on a subject i have been thinking about a lot this week. It is a lovely thought that God cares about every one of our sorrows. Thank you and God bless 🙂
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Despite all you’ve overcome Mary, you are blessed, Your heart hasn’t hardened with all your adversity. 🙂
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Awwww thanks Debby! God brought me out to bring me in! Walking in His grace 🙂
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Mary you had to be tough, all those things happening to the one person is terrible. I am glad you can still see the beauty in life and appreciate a new born babe blessings to you and thanks for stopping by my space and leaving a comment I appreciate it. You are amazing.
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Thank you Kath!
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So beautifully written. Yes you are tough. Anyone who has been thru all you have experienced could have chosen such a different path. No doubt the enemy of your soul tried his best to take you out BUT GOD!
Blessings
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Wow… I can relate to so much that you are saying. I know that I have cried a million tears but God has collected all of them and knows all of my pain. Blessings to you!!
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Hugs!!!
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Blessings to you my friend!!!
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To you as well 🙂
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Powerful very powerful! Thank you for sharing this much needed word for me today. May God continue to bless you. I look forward to reading more.
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Hey, thanks for visiting and becoming one of my followers! I enjoyed your blog as well. Blessings! 🙂
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Beautiful! I’m not sure how to allow that softer side to show—I fear that if I let myself cry, I’ll never stop. Or blow snot all over someone. Or just freak people out. 🙂 I have always envied my more tender friends. Your ability to express your emotions is a lovely gift–it often accompanies a heart capable of great compassion. Wonderful post.
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Wow! Never thought about that aspect … to blow snot all over someone … can’t be too bad. But I do know what it is to cry, thinking I’ll never stop; sobbing until I can’t breathe and no more tears are left. I just may not always cry in front of anyone 😉 Thanks, Rebeca.
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To have a heart is to hurt… The fact that through such hardship that many of us have faced, there is something to be said about the fact that we have maintained a capacity to love, to laugh and yes, to cry… Loved this!
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So true, Tina. To have a heart is to feel as well. Not too sure if I always release those emotions in a healthy way LOL
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Beautiful and heart wrenching. I can relate to much of this. Keep pressing in dear friend; you definitely have a God given gift that will bless many. Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2013 11:35:01 +0000 To: jurbano45@hotmail.com
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Thank you, my friend 🙂
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Beautiful, Mary Ann … Thank you and I hope you don’t mind if I share the picture and verse
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My pleasure 🙂
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Absolutely beautiful !!! Thank you and I hope you don’t mind if I share the picture and verse …
Sent from my iPhone
>
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Knowing that God collects my tears brings me such comfort. All the tears that you have cried have not been in vain, Mary Ann.
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Indeed \o/ \o/ \o/
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