Shed a Tear

When the world pulls you down, shed a tear.
When trials come, shed a tear.
Who is hurting, let them cry.
Who is fighting so very hard to survive, let them cry.
When the pain returns after you thought it forever gone, shed a tear.
When you understand someone's loss, shed a tear.
Who is forced to let go, let them cry.
Who has had to stand against wrongs, let them cry.
It is not weakness
To shed a tear.
It is not a terrible thing
To cry.
Tears -
coming from the truly suffering,
from wounds of the flesh and spirit,
from loss,
or even for others,
are prayers.
Tears -
every last raindrop on your cheeks,
against your stinging eyelids,
are counted.
God sees them.
Feels them.
Knows them.
And He takes them in His hands,
and when you ask for strength,
He takes your tears,
and returns them to you.
As diamonds for your armor.
Armor that He gave you.
Spiritual bling.
Yep. Let them fall.
Let it go.
A wimp like me,
facing pain,
fear,
anger,
loss...
Well, I cry.
And it's O.K.
Because once the tears have stopped falling,
I can "start over."
Begin again.
Learn the lesson.
Strengthen my resolve.
Grow my faith in God.
He is always there.
Counting tears.
Let them fall.
It's O.K.
Let them glisten, let them shine.
Then get back up.
To shed a tear is not a weakness.
It is not a terrible thing to cry.
Just so long as you don't stay that way.
Let your tears fall so you can get back up.
Get down on your knees.
Let them fall.
Shed a tear.
So you can stand again.
Who is hurting, let them cry.
Who is suffering, let them cry.
When you feel the need to weep, let it out.
When you can't take the pressure, release it in tears.
Who is broken, let them cry.
Who is betrayed, let them cry.
When all seems lost, shed a tear.
When it feels like you have nothing left, shed a tear.
Then get back up.
And who is hurting for the lost,
Who is moved by God to cry for the deceived,
misguided,
hurting,
dying,
wandering...
Shed a tear.
And pray.
This is what we are called to do.
Every single diamond is not forgotten before God.
Never forget.
Use it.
It is not weakness to cry.
It is a reminder that we need the Lord.
You forget.
He too, time and again,
for you, for me,
has shed a tear.





John 11:35 "Jesus wept."
Luke 19:41 "...He saw the city and wept over it..."

Blood and Water (a poem)

Life.
Breathing. Pulsing.

The Cross.
A funny thing.
Thousands of them, long ago.
Spread out across countries.
A symbol of death.
A symbol of power.
The Roman Empire.
For all the world to see.
The worst way to die.
Slowly.
In agony.
Suffocating.
Bleeding.
Outside, in the elements.
Yes, a symbol of death.
Nowadays it's a symbol of hope.
See? A funny thing.

Life.
Flowing. Beating.

Blood. Water.
Water is part of blood.
Without water, blood is dust.
Some don't like blood.
Why not? Without it your body dies.
Everyone needs it.
And water.
Without it your body dies.
When you drink water
Do you imagine nourishing your blood?
Do you imagine your heart filling,
Pumping blood through your body?

Life.
Echoing. Feeling.

Long ago,
a man died.
On a cross.
While dying,
While suffering,
Water built up inside him.
Around his heart.
Pericardial effusion
A scientist would say.
And after he died,
A Roman soldier took a spear,
And stabbed his heart.
Blood and water came out.

He said he would die.
He said he was the Water of Life.
He said he would bleed.
For us.
Because we are dying.
We have been from the very start.

Life.
He breathed again.
A new body.
Walked this world once more.

He lost water.
He lost blood.
But he never needed it.
Because He is Life.
Jesus.

Inner Beauty "Makeup" - Steps to See You As Beautiful

     For all young ladies. Start your day (and end your day) focused, content, and beautiful.

Step 1: Cleanser
     Wash your face. While you do so, remember that God's forgiveness washed you clean in His eyes. You are God's creation. And though you were once a "monster" of sin, He declares you beautiful. Wipe off all the lies that you have to look a certain way to be beautiful.

Step 2: Moisturize
     If you have dry skin, soften it up with a moisturizer (my personal favorite for my face is Cetaphil. In regards to the heart, nothing better than a love song to God from Psalms). And remember that times are rough and it's tough from time to time not to bark or be grumpy towards others. If you have any grudges, offer them up in a little prayer to God and ask Him to take it away. God loves the whole world. Not just you. It's a new day, and it's just as beautiful as you.

Step 3: "Concealer"
     (Ok, this is where I get silly/serious, because I myself don't wear actual makeup so bear with me. Or we can just pretend this is the "brushing teeth step"). You are still human. In fact, you are a woman and you get emotional from time to time. But as I work in public, I know that no one wants to see my tears from personal problems. And I have flaws. No one wants to know about those. So I tell myself that God loves, so at least I can give a smile, right? Not a fake smile mind you, but a smile to say, hey God is good.

Step 4: Foundation
     "Match your skin tone." You are unique. God made you that way. So never, ever, ever pretend to be someone you are not. God has an equally unique calling for you. Don't waste it trying to be the girl with the most friends or with the nicest/hottest boyfriend. Close your eyes and pray that God will move through you today. Ask Him to guide you every moment of this new, beautiful day. Tell Him that you want only Him to change you to be the wonderful woman He wants you to be.

Step 5: Eyeliner
     Don't judge. That's God's job. And what I mean is that if you think someone is wearing something that looks like it desperately needs to be mended, don't tell them so. You can point out sin, but never forget to also point out God's forgiveness. You are not God. You do not know who will/won't end up in Heaven. Look through the eyes of God - everyone needs redemption.

Step 6: Mascara
     Time to take on a new view: Life, goes on. No matter how big or small this terrible something in your life is, God is still with you. You may want to shake your fist at Him from time to time or scream "WHY?!" (believe me, I know). You have been given a new day. How would God like you to spend it? Pray that He will lead you today. Tell Him, "Lord, I can't do this on my own. I need You and You alone." And remember, God just gave you another breath. Breathe it in, live it out.

Step 7: Blush
     You are human. You have wants, you have dreams. You prayed away your worries and pretensions. You prayed away lies and anger. Now, you can dream without your dreams being crushed. Why? Because you can pray a little prayer: "Lord, dream for me." Choose a goal, not just for today; but hold onto a goal for your life. Ask if this dream is what God wants. If you get neither a yes nor a no, strive for it and God will let you know if it's time to change. He will put up roadblocks, He will send you people to advise you. But dream, girl. Dream big. And work hard for that dream.

Step 8: Lips
     Remember that rude/hurtful/manipulative thing you said the other day? Reel it in girl! Gotta keep that mouth unda control! Keep it true, keep it noble, keep it right, keep it pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy. Don't just think it, speak it! (Philippians 4:8) Ask God to give you the grace to speak kindness.

One last thing, spritz all over with the fragrance of a gentle confidence:
You are beautiful.
That beauty is God-given.
You are not only free, you are B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. !!!

Enjoy your wonderful day.
And when your day is done, wash your face one more time. Wash away all the bad you collected in your adventures today by praying it up to the One who made you beautiful. Rinse away yesterday, and fall asleep worshiping God for making you...well, how many times do I have to say it? Beautiful you!

God bless!
Silver Line