Before You Can Dry Another's Tears
You Too Must Weep 

Let me not live a life that's free
From the things that draw me close to THEE


For how can I ever hope to heal
The wounds of others if I do not feel

If my eyes are dry and I never weep
How do I know when the hurt is deep


If my heart is cold and it never bleeds
How can I tell what my brother needs


For when my ears are deaf to the beggar's plea
And we close our eyes and refuse to see


And we steel our hearts and harden our mind
And we count it a weakness whenever we're kind

We are no longer following the Fathers way 
Or seeking His guidance from day to day


For, without crosses to carry
and burdens to bear

We dance through a life
that is frothy and fair


And chasing the rainbow we have no desire
For roads that are rough and realms that are higher

So spare me no heartache or sorrow, dear Lord
For the heart that is hurt reaps the richest reward


And God enters the heart that is broken with sorrow
As He opens the door to a brighter tomorrow

For only through tears can we recognize
The suffering that lies in another's eyes



By

 Helen Steiner Rice