February 4, 2022

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)

I came across a term that resonated – “toxic positivity”.  That’s the voice that rushes in (from others or from yourself) to say that you should always be grateful for what you have rather than sorrowful for what you don’t have. The voice that tells you to count your blessings. The voice that says your difficulties pale in comparison with “real suffering.” 

Gratitude is a wonderful gift from God. But it can be weaponized to avoid facing and working through grief, anger and frustration. I believe that weeping is sometimes the deeper gift, the needful gift.

Everybody hurts, sometimes. (REM)

“Grant to all who suffer a sure confidence in thy fatherly care, that, casting all their grief on thee, they may know the consolations of thy love. Amen.” (BCP p. 481)