From Jeffrey M:

Susan, dear sister, how does emotions come into play in your walk with God?  I mean negative ones like anger and irritability.. Also honest emotions of mourning. The Lord wept. John 11: 35.

From Susan:

Hi Jeffrey, thank you for the thoughtful question. I'll try to reply with equal thoughtfulness.

When I was 18 years old I went away to college and was assigned a random roommate. I was a moody and emotional teenager at that time and I did not suppress my anger, irritation, etc. My new roommate let me have it with both guns blazing. She told me quite firmly (and with her own anger I might add) there would be none of that type of behavior with her.

I prayed for self-control and with God's grace I had the firm will to end my moodiness forever. To this day, all these years later, I am rarely moody and "emotionally appropriate".

It sounds corny, but I'm a huge fan of "fake it till you make it" and I thank God continually that it works for me.

As to "honest emotions of mourning" - I have them. I cry.

Sometimes I'm crying with sadness, more often with fond memories that bring me joy. My faith has taught me that my dearly departed are in heaven, feeling no pain, knowing God more intimately than any living being. In that way a passing is a blessing.

​​​​​​​Warm Regards, Susan