Weeping

So, there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.  Genesis 45:2-3

There are times in our life when words are not enough, and even our thoughts are a tangled jumble. We are overcome with emotion, our heart becomes our new vocal apparatus, and its pulse constructs syntax and words that otherwise remain latent, unexpressed, and very personal. Weeping is a very healthy and needed expression of our emotions.

I can only imagine the internal turmoil that Joseph must have been experiencing at the marvelous site of meeting his brothers, who had long ago intended to kill him, rob him, and ultimately sell him! Now an Egyptian leader, we might think he had forgotten about his past, and all of his success had made up for his suffering. Just the opposite! Joseph hadn’t forgotten, and his weeping was heard beyond his chamber walls as he was confronted with emotions that only familial relationships can stir.

God’s redemption is often too great and burdensome for words. I remember vividly the few times I’ve wept that loudly. It was uncontrollable. My eyelids were turned to paper as rivers of tears poured forth. My loved ones surrounded me, consoling me, being with me. My friend once referred to such times as sacred, and I believe him. We experience our true humanity during these moments, yet even there, we find our faithful and loving father with us. We cannot plan our weeping any more than we can plan the circumstances that caused it, but I can say with all confidence, weeping is a good and healthy thing. When it comes (and it will!), embrace what God has for you through his example of the story of Joseph, his brothers, and his father Jacob!

Paz,

Scott

Friends of DIU Annual Festival

You’re invited to the Friends of DIU Annual Festival on March 24. This will be a special evening for current and future donors and supporters of DIU’s mission, filled with good food, entertainment by international band IziBongo, and a special speaker. RSVP here no later than Monday, March 20.

Coaching Workshop for Christian Leaders

This workshop is offered at Dallas International University May 16-19, 2023, from 8:30am-12:30pm CDT, both in person and via Zoom. Early registration is $150. More information here, or email richard_harman@diu.edu