I cry.
I can cry at the weirdest moments.
I cry while watching a Disney movie. I will never forget how embarrassed by daughter was when her mom was sobbing in the Disney movie.
I cry when I see God’s grace in action. Someone is changed because of grace or forgiveness.
I cry when I get so angry I want to yell. Better than hitting someone. Tears are a safe release.
I cry when someone says something to me about how I changed their life.
But not all my tears are the same.
My tears are complex and can be triggered by my emotions. My tears and my emotions they often represent:
1. Tears of Joy: These tears are my happy tears and occur when I experience overwhelming happiness or relief. They often happen during moments of intense joy, such as reunions, celebrations, or the achievement of a long-sought goal. I cried when I receive my PhD. I cried when I saw my friend who I hadn’t seen in years. I will never forget when my daughter tried on “THE” wedding dress. I sobbed to see my baby so happy.
2. Tears of Empathy: These are tears I shed when I deeply connect with someone else’s pain or joy. They reflect my ability to feel what others are feeling and are often seen in situations where I witness another’s suffering or happiness. The trauma that my family has recently gone through. Hearing a motherless daughter’s story that breaks my heart.
3. Tears of Grief: These tears are associated with my losses, sorrow, and deep emotional pain. I shed these during mourning or in response to any form of significant loss. A perfect example of this is how I am triggered on Christmas Eve when I hear Silent Night. The verse, “Round yon virgin mother and child” cuts me to the core and I miss my mommy.
4. Tears of Humility: These tears arise from my moments of profound humility or awe. They may happen when I experience something that makes me feel small in a good way, like witnessing the birth of a child, receiving unexpected kindness, or feeling a deep connection to something greater than ourselves, God. I am also humbled when someone says great things about me.
5. Tears of Anger: These tears often come from my frustration, hurt, or a sense of injustice. It is almost like a safety valve on the old pressure cookers. Unlike my other types of tears, they accompany a rush of adrenaline, making them feel both emotional and physical. I often have this type of tears when I am so angry and I try desperately not to show my anger. It comes out through my eyes.
Each type of tear reflects the depth and complexity of human emotions, showing how interconnected our feelings can be.
When we cry, it may be important to tell those around us, where are your tears are coming from.
- Joy?
- Empathy?
- Grief?
- Humility?
- Anger?
What do your tears tell you about the emotions you are feeling?