Washington Irving writes of the “sacredness” in tears, messengers, he says, of grief. There’s been a lot of grief in all of our lives recently, as natural disasters and human folly seem to be multiplying around us; and we each have our own private pain and losses. How do we deal with all those tears?

• Know you’re not alone. One of the names of Jesus is “Emmanual,” or “God with us.” God is with you in your grief: God is also present through his people, your community, so ask them for help. You need others now.
• Remember that feelings of grief are temporary. “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). There is an end to mourning. Grief has its purpose, but it also has its limit.
• Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, avoid the numbing of alcohol (it only defers pain, rather than treating it).

Grief and pain are unavoidable, but you can get through them—and that’s the key. The only way through is through…but you have the lifeline of Jesus that can pull you through anything: prayer is the best way to honor the sacredness of tears.