“Don’t cry, God is in control.”  Beneath the instruction to push my tears away was love—a sister who didn’t want to see me hurting. This wasn’t a one-time experience. I heard variations of this phrase over and over and each time it felt like another reason to believe my tears weren't welcome in the room. Another reminder that sorrow signaled a lack of trust in God.  I’m certain I’ve said things like this too. So in all humility, I want to gently remind you that tears are a welcome part of the Christian life. Throughout scripture, tears are shown as a natural and even godly response to suffering and repentance and I’m particularly grateful for the perfect example of Jesus. Jesus openly wept when His friend Lazarus died even though He knew Lazarus would rise again (John 11:35). He recognized the horror of death, even temporary death for those who are in Him. Jesus doesn’t only tell us it’s okay to grieve–He goes further to call those who mourn “blessed” (Matthew 5:4).  On t...