I guess I have to admit I am feeling very sad this week.
How do I know I am sad? Well I have been to the mall twice this weekend, baked two batches of cookies, nachos and a plethora of other comforting foods. I know where I go to numb the pain. Shopping and food! These things comfort sometimes, but really only mask the pain.
I was reading in the Old Testament last week and I noticed the term "tore their clothes" more than a few times. Very interesting thing to do, if you think about it. Tearing, or destroying something that is designed to protect you! Each time I encountered the term it was a symbol of great mourning, or sadness. I would argue that when we are truly sad in today's culture we want more protection, not less, more culpability, less grieving. Would anyone really tear their $85 Brooks Brothers shirt?
The symbol of them tearing their clothes is actually a very beautiful thing. I picture David (2 Samuel 1:11) standing before God with his outer (physical) protection torn, damaged and ragged, weeping and fasting in sadness.
Not blaming anyone, just sad.
It reminds me of wrestling with my kids. We wrestle (or tickle), and when they know they are beaten or they just can't take anymore they say "Daddy I Got Nothin". They know that physically they can't do anymore, so they surrender. As soon as they surrender we just hug.
They know that they have my heart. And I love them.
I like the idea of tearing my clothes because sometimes the process of grieving is just standing naked before God with no protection, with no one to blame and just weeping. We live in a fallen world and God weeps because of it.
So today, I am tearing my clothes (figuratively) and crying out, Daddy I Got Nothin!
Then me and God just hug!
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4 comments:
i searched for "tearing of clothes" when i found your blog, thanks for you insight on this, i was just reading in 2 samuel about david tearing his clothes, i am looking into what this mean't, also putting ashes on the head,
well, thanks alot
I was reading about it in the old testament i know it mentions it a lot in samuel and i looked it up and your blog came up and I think it is really interesting
Jack,
I hope you still visit your blog and nothing has happened to you. I just wanted you to know that "I feel you brother." Looked at your profile and odd it is that like minded people have like minded interest. You are NOT alone. I am right there with you.
May God bless you and your family forever.
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
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