The 13th-century poet and mystic Rumi said, “The wailing of broken hearts is the doorway to
God.” Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" -Matthew 5:4
Sadness can feel overwhelming at times, like a monster that is knocking on the door of our
lives. We fear that if we let the monster in, he might never leave and we will be sad forever. How
can we embrace healthy ways of dealing with sadness? Here are a few reminders we all need
from time to time:
- Allow yourself to be sad. Denying such feelings may force them underground, where
they can do more damage with time. Cry if you feel like it. Notice if you feel relief after
the tears stop. - Write in a journal, listen to music, spend time with friends or family, and/or draw to
express the emotion of sadness. - Think about the context of the sad feelings. Are they related to a loss or an unhappy
event? Think about the feelings in a non-judging way and ride the wave of the
experience. - Sadness can result from a change that you didn't expect, or it can signal that you might
need to make changes in your life. Emotions are changing and will come and go. - Know when sadness turns into depression. Get help if this happens rather than getting
stuck in it.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. -Psalm 34:18
Susie Grade 