It was a random comment from one of the television psychologist but it caught my ear. "Anger blocks compassion," she said.
Imagine how many times you have experienced this. In the middle of frustration over something you think someone else has done to you or someone else rage may rise up. Suddenly, your ability to see the other point of view shuts down.
These minor tragedies have plagued all of our lives as we rant at another never appreciating that they may have an excellent explanation for their actions or comments. For example, as you know, anger is an expression of fear. The fear is loss of control or, more likely, a feeling of not being heard. Instead of backing up and, literally, taking a few breaths, our egos rush forward and escalate the attack.
Whether it's in a domestic situation or in the middle of a work setting, nobody benefits from anger, do they? Supposedly, it is good to vent. But, does someone else always have to be the victim of our outbursts?
One of the hardest practices of Radical Loving Care is adopting an attitude of grace amid another's anger. When you can do this, the other person's frustration may dissipate. If not, only Love can help you sustain the winged grace you and I need to live Love.
Grace and gratitude - two of God's sweetest gifts.
-Reverend Erie Chapman
