Am I Supposed to Cry in Church?

I cry in church. Just about every time. It’s slightly embarrassing and I don’t know why I do it and I try to not make it noticeable when I do. Sometimes that’s easy and other times I just want to run out of said church.

Church is not a regular occurrence. I was never raised with any faith. I was baptized by Pastor Wells at the Hollis Ave. Congregational Church in Queens, New York and I think that was the last time my parents took me to church. They aren’t much of the “stand and greet your neighbor” kind and “Praise Jesus!” shouting folk are not my parents’ folk.

Note: I have never heard someone shout “Praise Jesus” in church but I’ve spent some time with the Methodists. They’re a tame bunch.

About 15 years ago, I made an initial try at attending church. It was nice but not overly moving. We went because my first husband wanted to have our daughter baptized so we had to find a church to call home. I loved the pastor. There was just something comforting about him. Then, after a few months of church attendance and right before the baptism, I found out he was leaving the church. Then I found out why:

Members of the congregation felt he did not take a strong enough stance against…