Tears Are for the Soul

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In another poem, Rumi advises, "Cry easily like a little child." Tears are a response of the heart, and they summon God's consoling grace. They are sacraments -- reminders -- of our love for our neighbors and God's love for us.

We have been comforted by this understanding of the gift of tears as we have watched the television coverage of Hurricane Katrina. We have found ourselves crying easily and often, so much so that for days crying has seemed to be our primary spiritual practice.

We have cried for the lives lost and the bodies floating in the flood waters.

We have cried for the people of the Gulf Coast who have lost homes, livelihoods, and in some cases hope during the hurricane.

We have shed tears for the victims left unrescued for days in New Orleans and other communities.

We have cried for the elderly men and women who have had to be carried from their homes.

We have cried for the children who have been evacuated far from familiar places, schools, toys, and friends.

We have cried for the dogs, cats, and other companion animals left stranded on porches and upstairs rooms.

We have cried for the lovingly tended gardens now submerged in fetid waters.

We have cried for the many cherished homes and businesses destroyed.

Our tears have mingled with the tears of victims and now they mingle with your tears. God has brought us all together as one community through the gift of tears.