I've always been an 'overly emotional type'. It's an ugly label I've been tagged with since I can remember. Even when I was happy, I was told I smile too much and it makes others uncomfortable. I imagine so many of us have experienced shame from simply just feeling emotion. So, we cover it up and do what we need to do to be accepted. There's also a part of me that is fearful of what an emotion will do to me if I let it consume me. It's easier to push it away and to trick myself into thinking it doesn't exist.
Emotions have often felt at odds with being a Christian for me. But, this is exactly what we explored on Sunday.
James 4:9-10
4 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
What if I don’t need to fix myself first or be “normal” to be able to approach God? What if I can come to him in whatever state I am in rather than judging or hiding how I feel? I am not free of emotion. None of us are. But, what I now know is if I can let myself feel whatever emotion is present at any moment, God will be with me in it. And, as challenging as it might be, in this, there is great opportunity to support others and experience God’s grace and love in whatever emotions are present in me.