Tears

When you see the shine of tears in another’s eyes

Reach out your hands to receive it

Because there is no pain more lonely

Than tears unshed

For that is a pain protected not a pain released

For a tear kept will turn inward

Building a wall of guilt and shame and bitterness

That will continue to keep hurt in and love out

Keep shame in and forgiveness out

Keep loneliness close and connection at bay

But a shed tear brings cleansing 

Clearing room for the work of healing and restoration

Tears shed to open hands and receiving hearts

Lead to freedom to remain tender

When those tears fall do not let them be quickly wiped away

Let them linger on the cheeks

Receive the pain and beauty that they share

Because the pain will not go away as quickly as the tears do

But tears that are seen can bring healing 

Tears that are embraced can lead to hope