Weepers Wanted: Releasing the Ministry of Tears

By Joyce S. Dixon and Sandy Dixon

There is more to crying than what may meet the eyes.

There is a ministry of tears, not often talked about or even recognized. This book offers a biblical perspective of crying as revealed by the Holy Spirit. Moreover, it encourages each reader to cultivate the ministry of tears to touch the heart of the Father and believe for souls to com

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Dec 14, 2021
• ISBN: 9781637692950

Book preview

Dedication

For all those who have cried and are still crying, especially for the betterment of mankind.

Those who weep for those who should weep but do not.

Those who have been given the tear ministry you didn’t request.

Those who feel better after cry it out moments.

Those who will not let insignificant details or insignificant

relationships generate wasted tears.

Those who know who to direct their cries to.

Those who realize purpose in their tears.

Those who are learning when and when not to cry.

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to God for entrusting us with the ministry of writing and to Apostle Ruth Peterson and Pastor Helen Williams for shepherding and inspiring us.

Table of Contents

Dedication iii

Acknowledgments v

Table of Contents vii

Introduction ix

Created for Crying 1

The Language of Tears 10

The Tears of Jesus 19

Tears of Refreshing 27

Tears of Serving 36

Tears of Repentance & Intercession 44

Sowing in Tears 52

Weepers Wanted 60

Glossary 66

Tears in Scripture 68

Tear Quotes 72

Introduction

Several years ago, at approximately 2 a.m. one morning, I (Joyce), woke up with what seemed like an unexplainable nudge. All was quiet as no creatures were stirring in the house. I was suddenly taken back in time about sixty years with the most vivid flashbacks of my maternal grandmother, whom I called Mama. I saw her holding my youngest brother, named Carl, who was no more than five years old and who suffered violent asthma attacks at night. He was inhaling and exhaling as if his next breath was going to be his last. She hummed an old hymn while rubbing him down in white vinegar. A doctor’s visit was not an option. I started to focus on a particular little pot in which she always prepared something special for the particular grandchild of hers who disliked the main meal that she had prepared. I also recognized the burns on her hands from handling big pots on the stove. My focus then went to her trusting me with her $65 monthly social security check at the grocery store because her legs didn’t permit her to stand for long periods of time. I heard her call my cousin, Gregory, by the nickname that she gave him and that he accepted—Gravy. I also heard her telling others about me, saying, You know she’s my granddaughter, and she teaches school. Suddenly, tears began to flow steadily and uncontrollably. I quietly cried as other thoughts of her came to mind. The more I remembered, the more I cried. The tears were in remembrance of her and the impact that she had on my life. I grasped through the tears how precious she was and the fact that she has been a gift. No one ever explained that to me (and there was really no need for anyone to) that Mama was more than my grandmother. Just as the tears began, they abruptly ended. I suddenly felt a release. Since her death nearly thirty years ago, I still find myself missing her very much. Certain times are worse than others, but up until this particular night just a few years ago, I had not been able to cry about her. In the early hours of that morning and through my tears, I was made aware that what she was to me in my life, I have become. This by no means lessens the honor and appreciation for my mother, who was a warrior as a single parent while taking care of five children. It is not meant to deny honor to my maternal grandfather, who showed all of us as his grandchildren that he was willing to give his life for ours.

When we think of crying, we think of tears that are shed in response to some uncomfortable stimulus such as trauma, loss, disappointment, embarrassment, loneliness, distress, or even physical pain. However, tears are not only released as a result of negative emotions, but tears can occur where there is joy, excitement, unexpected but welcomed surprise, the accomplishment of a dream,