Steel Magnolias: Weeping with Those Who Weep (John 11:35)

In Steel Magnolias, M'Lynn holds her daughter Shelby as she dies from diabetic complications. At the funeral, M'Lynn's rage explodes. Then her friends surround her—crying, laughing, holding her. At Lazarus's grave, Jesus did not explain; he grieved. M'Lynn's friends do not theologize—they weep with those who weep. Grief does not need answers; it needs presence. The communion of the grieving is holy ground. Sometimes the best ministry is just showing up and crying.