Latter-day Saint Life

Jesus wept, and so can I: Why we don’t always have to be happy

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Editor's note: This story originally ran on LDS Living in July 2017. 

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are generally happy people. We are known for our big hearts, bright smiles, and willingness to bring potato salad to anyone in need. But what about when life breaks down our cheery disposition? Do we allow ourselves to feel deep human emotion, or do we feel pressure to put on a smiling face even when the world is crumbling around us?

When my husband was diagnosed with sarcoma cancer at age 28, I was confronted with a whirlwind of emotions. I was devastated, frustrated, confused, heartbroken, anxious, and terrified. The only cancer patients under 60 that I knew were from stories, and they centered on being brave, positive, and happy despite hardships. And yet, here I was, sobbing in bed. I could barely make out my husband’s silhouette through the tears. I didn’t feel brave, positive, or happy.

Enter another emotion: guilt.

I concluded that I was doing it all wrong. I had this challenging trial, dramatic enough to describe in firesides and stake conference, but my response was far from inspiring. Who would be inspired by this puddle of tears? Who would want to hear the story of the woman who screamed, “I hate cancer!” into her pillow without an ounce of grace or dignity? Why didn’t I respond with optimism and strength? Was I lacking faith?

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Courtesy of Julieann Selden

From the moment of diagnosis, I never stopped praying. I didn’t doubt that God heard me, and my testimony was firm. Why didn’t I have the emotional fortitude that I heard so much about? Why couldn’t I smile through every chemotherapy appointment and shrug off a day full of CT scans, radiation treatments, and blood transfusions? Why didn’t I feel the cheerful attitude that Latter-day Saints are “supposed” to radiate?

Jesus Wept, Too

Then I thought about the life of my Savior. The shortest scripture became one of the most powerful: Jesus wept. When Lazarus died, Jesus didn’t smile, bring a casserole, and dismiss everyone’s worries. He wept. He didn’t tell Mary and Martha that if they were just stronger or more faithful, they wouldn’t feel sorrow. He cried with them. Of course He knew that death was temporary, but He didn’t push aside emotions. He felt deep sadness. After the death of His friend, He had good reason to cry, and He didn’t feel any guilt about it.

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Courtesy of Julieann Selden

Jesus Christ experienced a wide range of emotions. He felt frustration when His temple was abused and disappointment when people didn’t believe His teachings. He felt heartbroken when He was betrayed and discouraged when His apostles lacked faith. He felt intense pain, both physical and emotional. He even pleaded for relief from the agony of the Atonement.

Yet for some reason, we are tempted to think we should always be happy. We expect to face trials with eagerness and beam with joy through pain and sickness. We label ourselves weak when we break from our jovial disposition. It’s not fair to put that expectation on ourselves! Our responses to trials don’t have to match anyone else’s or fit in a neat little box. We can embrace our emotions, even the difficult ones, for they truly facilitate growth. Sadness can lead us to empathy. Frustration can lead us to stand for the right. Uneasiness can lead us to prayer. And heartache can lead us to Christ.

Those Who Sorrow Don’t Lack Faith

As I look at my tear-stained face in the mirror, I realize that I am doing it right. It’s OK that I’m devastated that my husband has cancer. It’s okay that I’m concerned about our future. It’s OK that I feel frustrated when his medications don’t work or disappointed when holidays are spent in the hospital. It’s okay that we cry together as I spoon-feed him Jell-o and wrap his body with bandages. It’s OK that we plead with God to take this cup from us if it aligns with His will.

None of this means that we lack faith.

If Christ’s tears inspired many, so can mine. His heart ached to see His loved ones suffer, just like my heart aches when my husband moans in pain from his hospital bed. Christ probably hated leprosy as much as I hate cancer. The scriptures never say Christ smiled in the face of agonizing trials. Some days I’m the first to smile and laugh in the hospital waiting room, but other days I remind myself that Jesus wept, and it’s okay if I do too.

By facing my feelings head on, I am finding true joy. I no longer criticize myself for emotional responses to difficult situations. I no longer expect myself to always be positive and cheerful, regardless of painful circumstances. I am using my experiences and emotions to lift others through understanding and empathy. My pain, heartache, sadness, anger, frustration, worry, and disappointment are helping me learn, grow, and support the people around me.

Because Jesus Christ allowed himself to feel emotions deeply, I know that I can too.

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