Stewarding Our Emotions to the Glory of God

When I was a young girl playing by the pond in my parents’ backyard, I was often creating and writing stories in my head. The stories changed frequently, but the leading female always carried two consistent characteristics: she was stoic and apathetic. The only time her emotions broke through her stony appearance was when someone she loved was in danger. Why did I create her this way? Because I believed a woman who shunned her feelings was the epitome of what a strong woman should be.

But despite my stoic ambitions, I still grew up to be an emotional person. Tears brim my eyes in gospel songs, birth stories, baptisms, weddings, and sermons. I feel deeply and widely. 

Though I still blush at my overflowing emotions, I don’t dislike them as much as I once did. I can see the good in them, and I’m learning what it means to let them flourish while not letting them rule me. Our feelings are a part of God’s “very good” creation and a gift to be both acknowledged and stewarded to his glory.

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