ANGER HAS ITS REWARDS

There’s an old movie in which the main character throws open the window of his apartment, and screams at the top of his lungs,

“I’m mad as h_ _ _, and I’m not gonna take it anymore!”

We live in an age in which people give themselves permission to express their anger with their words and actions; without regard for the consequences.

As a counselor I speak about Short Term Satisfaction vs. Long Term Results. Too many young and not so young people in our culture do whatever feels good at the moment and, in essence, say, “To h_ _ _ with the consequences.” (And sadly, many ultimately “reap the whirlwind”).

Anger can express itself in any number of ways, either positive or negative.

When anger is used as a catalyst for courage, and the potential change which arises from it, then that intense, sometimes vilified emotion can bear rich fruit. Some of the best and brightest, worthy and worn among us have not only managed to salvage their own uncertain fates, but counting others better than themselves have invited their peers to walk with them.

When anger about a given circumstance or scenario provoked various historical figures, as well as people of our own day and time, they have sometimes managed to salvage not only their own God-given destinies, but the destinies of their peers.

Using anger in an appropriate manner requires us to consider our agenda; whether it be ill or good. It will require us to summon up a measure of courage; the likes of which we never thought we were capable. It will call us to tailor-make our responses to the situation which presents itself. And it will provoke us to challenge the status quo with the kind of words and actions which “behave upon” people and obstacles which would stand in the way of positive and lasting change.

Various parables and adages with which we are familiar speak to the wisdom of using anger as a catalyst for good and for God. The unjust judge. The squeaky wheel. Marching to a different drummer. Turning lemons into lemonade.

Sometimes we have to petition the unjust judges among us. Sometimes we have to squeak as we roll down the proverbial road which stretches out before us. Sometimes we have to strut our stuff, and catch the unique rhythm of our own personal drummer. Sometimes we have to squeeze those lemons ‘til they beg for mercy.

by William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending

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