Who's Crying Now

I woke up this morning with the chorus of this song on my head. "Who's Crying Now" by Journey. I don't know why it was in my mind - I don't recall hearing the song lately at all. But I couldn't shake it. All I could think of is those hurt by religion. I was thinking primarily about those who have been hurt by people in the name of Christ, but I think this goes for any type of religion or religious activity in which people are oppressed or hurt, all in the name of God.

But I wonder... who's crying now? I mean, right now? Who is crying on a bed somewhere, or in a corner, or in their car, not because they've been hurt physically but because of the chains of oppressive religion?

Who's crying now because their preacher, spouse, parent, etc, has put the chains of criticism on them? Or the weight of trying to measure up or fit in. Or the bondage of legalism. Or the confinement of having to do things a certain way or else. I know the list goes on and on.

Who's crying now because they've been rejected or condemned in the name of Jesus?

I readily admit that I've been on the dealing side of pain in the name of religion. I mean, I've dealt it out. I've also been on the receiving side and I know how it hurts. And I've seen a lot of it in the lives of other people... Both those who deal it out and those who take it.

Who's crying now? They may not show it. I've told about my own plastic smile that I used to wear. People may not openly admit than anything's wrong but on the inside they're really dealing with it.

Jesus, love these people through us.