Why do I get choked up? - Page 2

[momtoS]

Originally Posted by hotmamacita

Is he a kind man? I think kindness really can touch us deeply.

Yes he is very kind and genuine....and really passionate about his sermons. And unbelievable humble.

[momtoS]

Originally Posted by mackiesmommy

God has a way of touching all of us through different mediums! Many people experience emotions in response to messages that speak to them deeply and personally. As to the Reverend, he is a man of God and God is using him to speak to you. Seek God and pray He will continue to reveal Himself through this man to you. I will be praying for you as well, momtoS!

Thank you!

[momtoS]

Originally Posted by Lollybrat

The tears that we may experience during prayer or during services are not always our own tears. Catholics believe that the "gift of tears" is a special gift of grace God gives us on occassion. These are not ordinary tears, but are the tears of the Lord that bring us spiritual insight. They are tears of sorrow, of hope, of compassion, of love, and of joy. I have been blessed with this gift a couple of times and it is very powerful. I don't know if this what you are experiencing, but it may be something to pray about.

Beautiful....now I will probably tear up more...

[momtoS]

Originally Posted by Tigerchild

Are you returning to church after an absence or a break with another church?

When I returned to a Christian church after 13 years estranged, for lack of a better term (I walked away from a really spiritually abusive experience and pretty much lost my entire community/was shunned and had to start all over again), when I sat and listened to my now-pastor's sermons I was overwhelmed with happiness at having found this new church, and just as overwhelmed with grief and loss that I hadn't stumbled across the denomination earlier. I sat in the back and cried. I sobbed through all 3 easter services (the retired pastor's wife was very sweet, and held my hand and let me cry on her shoulder without saying much at all). I would get weepy during every sermon (and my poor pastor would get weepy herself! Which would make me get teared up again, it was kind of funny, even at the time!). Luckily I'd shared with her my background in an email, and as it turns out we have a great deal in common (break with another denomination, years of self-imposed exile, and then returning). So she totally understood. And the people of my church are lovely. I don't think I'm the first, nor will I be the last, to have that experience!

But even if you didn't have a break-and-return experience, it's so easy to be deeply moved when you are surrounded by genuinely loving people!! If you're worried, you could always share that with your pastor. Not only will it probably make his day, but then if you get teary eyed you don't have to worry about what he might be thinking, and you can just enjoy being around such loving folks.

Your post hit me....yes I was raised in a strict religion, that I was cut off from. I have had negative feelings about church since....until trying this church....

[momtoS]

I don't know how to do multiple quotes...but to everyone else thank you so much for sharing your stories.....I love konwing I am not alone.

[chaoticzenmom]

I'm an Athiest/Secular Humanist. I get choked up hearing sermons as well...if they're done right. Sometimes, it's the music, sometimes it's the power of listening with all those people. Sometimes I know that what she's talking about is affecting the lives of people in the same room. I go to a UU church, so there's no talk of Heaven, sin, hell, but lots to talk about. I think some of it had to do with being in such an intimate environment with so many people. Sometimes, the sermons can be a little too powerful!

It gets better. At first, I keep myself somewhat busy during service so I don't get choked up.