Tears

How fundamental is a newborn's cry - she learns it instinctively.  Her persistent cry summons help, a soothing touch, sustenance.  It calls to the one who  has given her life.  It is a cry necessary for survival. 

Pity the child who has learned how not to cry.

My heart breaks for her.  She was born with a label:  DEI (Drug Exposed Infant).  The drug was meth.  Her mother was a prostitute.  Her first childhood recollections are smoking joints at age six with her mom's friends.  At 13 she was using meth. At 14 she was in juvenile hall.

She has learned how not to cry.

How do I reach her?  How do tell her that it is ok to cry?

She tells me that it is her strongest weakness, this desire to use.  That even while doing it, she hates doing it. 

How do I explain to her that the incredible grace of our Lord can break through her strong weakness?

I wish she could cry. 

For the loss, the abandonment, the loneliness, the things that were done to her as a young child.

Please Lord, teach her to cry.

Until then, let my tears mingle with Yours as we grieve over what sin has done to this little one who was created in Your image.