Mark Vroegop, Defining Lament

“Who taught you to cry? The answer, of course, is “no one.” Although you don’t remember it, the first sound you made when you left the warm and protected home of your mother’s womb was a loud wail. A heartfelt protest. Every human being has the same opening story. Life begins with tears. It’s simply a part of what it means to be human – to cry is human. But lament is different. The practice of lament – the kind that is biblical, honest, and redemptive – is not as natural for us, because every lament is a prayer. A statement of faith. Lament is the honest cry of a hurting heart with the paradox of pain and the promise of God’s goodness.” (Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy, pgs. 25-26)