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Anger Management


My sister is a flight attendant.  She travels all over the world. She was recently in Ghana and took these pictures of her adventure climbing an abandoned lighthouse on the shore.


At first I thought it looked like fun.  Then she showed me these photos of how eroded the spiraling staircase had become.  She climbed it anyway.


These images stayed with me.  The staircase began to remind me of our lives.  That sometimes the going is smooth and we feel lighthearted and happy. Other times happiness erodes and we are left feeling angry and frustrated with people or situations.  We must decide how to manage these opposing emotions everyday.  Especially in family life, several people together can produce friction, fractious moments, erosion of self-control.


Then I read this quotation from Eric Ripert, acclaimed French chef and a Buddist.  He said simply,

 "Anger equals weakness."  

While this statement feels very Zen, I began to link it with Christian teachings and scripture.  



"People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness."  Proverbs14:29


"And don't sin by letting anger control you.  Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil."  Ephesians 4:26-27



"Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool."  Ecclesiastes 7:9

Nowhere does the Bible say never to feel anger, but rather to avoid giving in to anger.  Weakness is letting anger take over, change your behavior, spill over and taint all those around you with bitterness.

Strength is in self-control.  Wisdom is knowing that angry feelings will pass, that nothing will be accomplished by exploding in anger, that those we love will never respond the way we wish when provoked.





"Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs."  Proverbs 19:11

As we embark on the Holiest Week of the year, let us all remember that we are called to be peaceful, gentle and loving, even under the most difficult circumstances.



Comments

  1. What a beautiful reflection with pics to match. Anger is my weakness and this was so good to read. Thank you for sharing and have a Blessed Holy Week~Theresa

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  2. Well said, Misty. I plan on adding the scripture verses you sited here to my scriptural "wall of words" in my kitchen that helps keep me focused throughout my day. Thank you!

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  3. Amazing insight and what a necessary reminder on anger management. The pictures are beautiful and thought-provoking...I, too, think these pictures will stay with me. They will give me a visual in my head when friction is at it's most. And this is my favorite: "Wisdom is knowing that angry feelings will pass, that nothing will be accomplished by exploding in anger, that those we love will never respond the way we wish when provoked." Can I post that on fb? :) H2U!

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  4. Thank you Jenn ~ sure post away!

    Amy ~ I should have a wall of words too. Sounds good.

    Caramelitemom ~ I will be stopping by your blog to help set the tone for Holy Week. Thank you!

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  5. Thank you for posting this, it is good to be reminded. And thank you for visiting our little corner of the web and leaving such a lovely note.

    God bless you! Happy Holy Week and blessed Easter!

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  6. Loved your pix from you sis and the encouragement to stay calm. :) God bless you!

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  7. I'm convinced that the Spirit placed your words before me tonight. It has been a long and angry day today, with many pitfalls and I have not been the mother I should be. I appreciate your words and the strength they provide. Thank you!
    ~Terry

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  8. Thanks for the amazing post. God bless you and fam

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  9. Thanks for sharing, I need this encouragement!

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  10. Our pastor had his homily on anger two weeks ago. He said there are two kinds of anger. The first is justified anger (e.g. when Jesus throws out the money changers in the temple) and the second is anger because we are afraid that something very dear will be taken away from us. He said that it's our task to find out what kind of anger we experience.

    My grandmother knew a Chinese proverb:
    The person who smiles instead of throwing a fit is always the stronger one. (Free translated from the German).

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~Grace and peace to you~

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