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To Be Human Bible in a Year: Numbers –14 Mark 5:21–43 Jerusalem, Jerusalem . . . how often I have longed gather your together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. Matthew 23:37 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 23:37–24:2 “Mr. Singerman, why are you crying?” asked twelve-year-old Albert as he watched the master craftsman construct a wooden box. “I cry,” he said, “because my father cried, and because my grandfather cried.” The woodworker’s answer to his young apprentice provides a tender moment in an episode of Little House on the Prairie. “Tears,” explained Mr. Singerman, “come with the making of a coffin.” “Some men don’t cry because they fear it is a sign of weakness,” he said. “I was taught that a man is a man because he can cry.” Emotion must have welled up in the eyes of Jesus as He compared His concern for Jerusalem to the care of a mother hen for her chicks (Matthew 23:37). His disciples were often confused by what they saw in His eyes or heard in His stories. His idea of what it meant to be strong was different. It happened again as they walked with Him from the temple. Calling His attention to the massive stone walls and magnificent decor of their place of worship (24:1), the disciples noted the strength of human accomplishment. Jesus saw a temple that would be leveled in ad 70. Christ shows us that healthy people know when to cry and why. He cried because His Father cares and His Spirit groans for couldn’t yet see what breaks His heart. Reflect & Pray In what situations in your life might you be avoiding grief? How can your faith in a Savior cries (John :35) help you express your grief in a healthy way? Father, please replace any cold illusions of strength I cling with a growing understanding of the cares and concerns that break Your heart for like me. 
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I used to cry more often when I was really angry. That was embarrassing, because I thought it showed weakness, but those who knew me, knew that was the time to avoid me. Now I cry, by myself, and pour out my grief to the Lord, who is the only one who can do anything about it. Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.
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For me, tears are of a private nature although when overwhelmed by unexpected kindness, tenderness or cruelty, I can't always control the silent trickle of tears. Witnessing tears welling in a man's eyes can touch deeply. My reluctance to cry openly does in part stem from feeling vulnerable and also because tears are too often used as a tool to manipulate (along with other tactics) which I find abhorrent.
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