Daily Devotional for Small Group Discussion: Tears in Our Eyes

by Donna Schaper | published on Apr 7, 2025

Discussion Questions 

  1. Read John 11:32-37. Then read the devotional below, “Tears in Our Eyes.”  
  1. What crises in the world are bringing tears to your eyes today? What pain in your life or in the lives of those closest to you is overwhelming you? 
  1. How do you respond to the first step of disaster-response wisdom from Lucy Easthope: “First, declare helplessness; don’t assume your own usefulness”? Is helplessness part of your spiritual practice in Lent? 
  1. Even with tears in your eyes, what can you do today in imitation of Jesus? 

Jesus wept. – John 11:35 (NKJV) 

When we get done weeping about a school shooting, environmental catastrophe, or whatever comes next, we might want to pay attention to Lucy Easthope, a well-known British disaster response expert, who worked major events ranging from the 2005 London bombings to the 2020 Covid pandemic. Her wisdom for disaster response has parallel lessons for Lent: 

First, declare helplessness. Don’t assume your own usefulness. Foreswear advice, even if you think you know what everybody else should be doing. Try saying, “Do you mind if I sit around helplessly with you?” 

Second, concentrate on the next crisis while making tea and tidying up. Be prepared, not shocked. Be calm, not worried. The calmer you are, the calmer others will be. The opposite is also true. 

Third, support a local leader who isn’t intent upon the limelight. Make sure that leader knows the meaning of non-anxious presence, who knows better than to feed worry to worriers.  

Fourth, multiply the ways of belonging. People are like border collies during a disaster: having a job focuses their energy amidst chaos. Gather people and connect them. Help people belong to each other, and the depression will subside long enough to manage what’s unfolding. 

Fifth, don’t say anything Jesus wouldn’t say. Better yet, do something Jesus would do: wash feet, comfort the outcasts, eat with the sinners. Don’t wipe away tears so fast that humanity is missed. 

Belong to and take care of each other. Repent from the sin of disaffiliation. 

Prayer
Through every crisis and through life, make us all essential workers in a mutual aid society. Amen.

Donna SchaperAbout the Author
Donna Schaper is an interim Pastor at the United Church of Gainesville, Florida, and author, most recently of Remove the Pews—first from your theology, then from your building.