I chuckle when I read the title of this post. Years ago, when I was new in Christian faith, I helped out with youth group. Anytime, and I mean anytime we challenged the kids to memorize a verse or create a devotion and share it with us, they always went with one verse:

Jesus wept.

They chose it because it’s a short verse and it drove us crazy they did it every single time, but then, we decided to make them dive deeper. One of the teens, now a father of his own teens, really gave a great message on that verse.

Today, I have a message that came to mind as I mentored a young woman. I thought it it was such a game changer for us, perhaps it will encourage someone here, too.

The woman and I were sharing that we were brought up in homes where emotions weren’t openly expressed. As adults, it’s difficult for me to remember it’s okay to feel. I confessed to her it’s been such a trouble spot that I know it’s affected my health. I wanted her to know letting the feelings out is a good thing. It’s a God thing.

“Jesus wept. Weeping isn’t a little sniff, it is a full on cry. A snot fest. So if Jesus cries like that, why can’t you?”

When I wrote that, I felt like the words jumped off the page. Wept is a power word. To visualize Jesus in full emotions, expressing through active tears, is helpful. It reminds me Jesus didn’t stuff His feelings. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to grieve. It’s okay to confess you’re struggling.

I never felt free to do so, and even now, I struggle trying to stay stoic. But understanding Jesus wept gives me permission to release the tears when I feel them. Share. Lament. Anything but stuff them.

If you’re fighting a good cry because you believe it’s wrong, take it from Jesus. He wept.

And so can you.