In the famous biblical story, the cities of Sodom and Gommorah are burned by God. Only Lot and his family are saved, though under the condition that they not look back, even for a moment. But Lot's wife can't refrain from turning to see her home --  presumably populated by her friends and neighbors -- burning. For this disobedience, she's turned into a pillar of salt. I read that pillar of salt as dried tears. This will not be the last time cities burn. And the human heart, though we pay a price for it, is often greater in its compassion, than God's.