Genesis 43:30-32 (New International Version)
30 Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to weep. He went into his private room and wept there.
31 After he had washed his face, he came out and, controlling himself, said, “Serve the food.”
31 After he had washed his face, he came out and, controlling himself, said, “Serve the food.”
There’s something about this moment in Joseph’s life that I admire so much.
I can’t imagine all of the emotions welling up inside of Joseph as he saw his family members after such a long, painful, and undeserved separation.
I think I love this part of the story so much, because it is so real.
Joseph ran to find a safe place to cry.
He had a meltdown.
Then he cleaned himself up.
And then practiced self-control………….
By doing what he needed to do in spite of his feelings.
He came back out and said, “Serve the food.”
Have you ever had a time where your emotions seemed to be more than you could bear???
I sure have.
I find comfort in Joseph’s way of coping.
He wasn’t afraid to cry, but he didn’t make a scene.
And he regrouped enough to move on with the day.
I think this is a great example when you are trying to cope with life.
It helps me to think of Joseph, and I hope it helps you too.
Have a great day.
Love,
In December of 2007 as our youngest son, Nick, was fighting brain cancer, I began to blog. Writing provided a way for me to release all of my questions, fears, and doubts. It also allowed me to share the ups and downs of Nick's journey with people who were praying for him all over the world. When Nick went Home in November of 2008, my blog became my way of searching for God in the midst of my deep heartache. My heart was broken and grief brought to the surface every emotion imaginable. Being able to release those emotions through my writing brought a sense of purpose to my pain. Having already walked the road of grief in 1992 when we lost our daughter to SIDS, I knew I needed a way to keep from falling into a pit of depression and despair. I had walked close to the edge of a bottomless pit when we lost our daughter,and I knew I couldn't let myself get that close to the edge again. This blog has been and continues to be my tiny corner of the world where I can share My Heart as I journey through God's Word.......thus the name........ My Heart His Words. Thank you for taking time to share life with me. If we do not meet while here on earth, I look forward to hearing all about your life when we reach our final destiny.........Heaven! Email me anytime at 
Thank you for sharing how the Word touched your heart in this way, Tammy!
Violeta, from Romania, just left a comment on my blog directing me to yours. Bless you, sister, for the work you do to serve our Lord, and for these beautiful words that point us back to His perfect, life-giving Word.
Hi Tammy..
I just wanted to stop by to say hello and see how you are doing?? This is a beautiful post, and much to onder on. Have a blessed holiday season filled with precious memories and thoughts of loved ones and friends.
Hugz Lorie
my emotions used to be really out of whack. I didn’t know how to handle them. But now I know to praise the Lord when I’m overwhelmed with emotions. Sarah
Tammy I love the story of Joseph and even my little brother was named after him. Im also blown away by your testimony in your side column. I lost my father last year to cancer and it was a dreadful valley, but he came to a life changing faith in Jesus. ALso, my sister and I just went to India this past april and it was life-changing were hoping to adopt a child through compassion international and then for real some day, thanks for sharing your story so freely, even the painful parts. You have a beautiful blog.