Real Men Cry
by Archie Fire Lame Deer, Lakota

"We must relearn how to cry. A strong man cries; it is the weak man who holds back his tears.”
Lakota Elders

Indian men and other men should really meditate on this Elder’s saying. So many men have been taught it is unmanly to cry, to show emotions or to feel. When people cry, the Elders say there are two types of tears: one type will taste salty; the other will taste sweet. One is caused by pain, and the other is caused by release from the pain, or joy tears. A strong man knows himself and knows his relationship with the Great Spirit. The release of tears is a spiritual act. Our bodies are designed to cry. We should honor our bodies and use them as the Creator intended.