Can't Hold Back the Tears? It's Okay to Cry!

When you were little, you may have been told that crying meant being a crybaby. Crying was only for girls, not for boys. Perhaps you were told, “Shame on you, what kind of boy crying. You're a boy!” Or perhaps you have said to your daughter, “A person who cries is showing that she is weak. You have to be like a boy, you have to be strong! Mom is proud if you don't cry!”

Some people cry more easily or more often than others. However, in general, we have all felt sadness, fear, frustration, or deep disappointment that becomes unbearable.

Sadly, the experiences, events, or statements we often heard in childhood eventually shape the subconscious belief that crying is only done by weak people. Is that really true?

The Benefits of Crying

According to Stephen Sideroff, assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at UCLA, United States, crying has a number of benefits for emotional, physical, and mental health. In addition, it can also clinically improve our physical and mental condition.

Crying is also one of the body's mechanisms for calming itself from stress. It is an essential and important form of release for processing loss, uncertainty, and pressure.

Neuroscience expert Dr. William H. Frey II argues that medically, crying is healthy because it can:

• relieve stress
• lower blood pressure
• remove toxins from the body
• reduce manganese levels in the body. Increased manganese levels are usually accompanied by greater anxiety, irritability, and aggressive responses.

Then, what does the Bible and the teaching of Jesus say about crying?

Crying Is Not a Sign of Weakness

“Where have you laid him?” They answered, “Lord, come and see!” Then Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how He loved him!” – John 11:34-36 

Jesus, Almighty God, the Creator and Ruler of heaven and earth, was never ashamed to cry. He did not pretend to be strong or try to look cool, even though He is God. Jesus was not ashamed to express His feelings through tears.

Tears are one expression of your empathy for others. Tears show that you are connected to others and understand what they feel, whether it is sorrow, struggle, or joy. No wonder, Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep!”

Life is full of ups and downs. There is a time for us to weep and a time for us to rejoice. The Bible also never mentions any prohibition against tears. If it can lighten the burden and help us connect more deeply with others, just do it. You may and have every right to cry!

Helping Us Through Struggles

In the days of His flesh, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and because of His godliness He was heard. – Hebrews 5:7 

While praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was in intense agony. From Luke 22:44, we know that Jesus was deeply afraid, until His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. Medically, this condition occurred because Jesus was under extreme emotional pressure, causing the blood vessels around His sweat glands to burst.

In addition, the book of Hebrews also adds a note about how Jesus offered up His prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears! And because of His godliness, He was heard by His Father.

So, when you face heavy struggles or big problems, there is nothing wrong with crying in your prayers. I personally am someone who often sheds tears. For me, crying can help reduce stress and release the burden in my heart. - As a single mother with two sons, I have witnessed not only when they were at their highest point, but also at the lowest points of their lives. I have seen their tears break out, and I have cried with them. I allow them to be themselves and to bravely express their feelings, so that they become emotionally healthy children.

It is time for us to change the view that crying means showing weakness or helplessness. Learn to value people who cry by empathizing with their situation, not belittling them or seeing them as weak.

Learn also to be a person who is honest about how you feel. Be open about your struggles, and do not be afraid to express yourself when you feel crushed, disappointed, or sad. After all, does not God want us to have empathy for others as well as for ourselves? So, it’s okay to cry! - References: www.bangka.sonora.id/read/502264604/jangan-malu-untuk-menangis-karena-ternyata-dampaknya-baik-untuk-kesehatan-fisik-dan-mental www.agingcare.com/articles/reasons-why-crying-is-good-for-your-health-146022.htm www.thebibleanswer.org/how-could-jesus-sweat-blood/

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