An involuntary cry is one which is totally responsive, there is no decision, it just happens. I’ve always liked to think I was tough enough, in control enough, that even if an involuntary cry arose in my throat I’d capture it and never let it escape. Ha!
Especially as I’ve gotten older and acquired less than perfect joints, I’ve also truly discovered what an involuntary cry is. Usually it’s just a short little “Agh!” when I reach beyond the comfort zone of my shoulder with its bone spurs. But it sometimes has a physical reaction component too with me grabbing that shoulder.
Crying out. A physical response that isn’t decided upon or chosen.
And when the pain is emotional, an involuntary cry is poignant. Throughout Scripture we read of God’s people, individually and collectively, crying out to Him.
Recent events around the world, including events that have been building up, have released a collective involuntary cry from so many. The pain in one’s heart, in my heart at least, comes from a place of understanding a tiny piece of the pain being experienced by others. From a place of understanding my own pain and grief within a larger context of world events, family events, just a lot of stuff going on. Some of that is playing out on a world stage, some of it is not.
The involuntary cry in response to events consuming others and to events that are within my own family.
The involuntary cry which is a prayer lifted up to God, a releasing of pain and emotion to the only One Who has any power or comfort.
Lord, hear our prayers. Especially the involuntary ones.
Just Sayin' 