Trump is stealing healthcare and virtually carpooling America into WWIII. Policemen are gunning black men down in the streets with cavalier smirks on their faces. Terrorists are running us over in the streets with Korans in their back pockets. Big businesses are automating jobs while small businesses are gentrifying unsuspecting communities. Not to mention, it's way too hot outside.
You asking me if I'm mad is like asking Kevin Hart if he's heard any good jokes lately. It's like asking JJ if he can recall any "Good Times" in his life. But I have a right to be mad, and I'm going to stay mad until all of this is over.
By the way, this will be over soon, right?
Anger is a powerful motivator, so mistakenly people take pride in their rage and treat it like a dear friend. Because in the eyes of many, to be angry is to be motivated to do something about what is wrong. And in their minds, if someone else is not beyond steaming, then he couldn't possibly lead anyone to change. That whole "coolers head prevailing" expression is a thing of the past.
But before we get carried away, let's not forget as much as anger is a motivator, it is a murderer. Obviously, it is the actual trigger man behind a million assassinations. Likewise, it is also the killer of communities, marriages, credibility and more. And as if that wasn't enough, it will kill you, your dreams, emotion stability, and physical well-being.
Anger triggers the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response. The adrenal glands flood the body with stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. The brain shunts blood away from the gut and towards the muscles, in preparation for physical exertion. The heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration increase, the body temperature rises, and the skin perspires. The mind is sharpened and focused. The body's strength and sight are enhanced.
Sounds good, right? But it is only supposed to keep your mind and body in this state for a short period; about as long as it would take to fight off a Sasquatch. Or if you choose the ever popular "flight" response, it should be about as long as it takes to set the new 100-yard dash record. Which, Fyi, is currently 9.58 seconds. Feel free to add a few more seconds to find a good hiding spot.
Otherwise, the prolonged effects of anger are:
1. Distorted thoughts and reasoning.
2. Weakened immune system, therefore contributing to sickness.
3. Depression
4. Increased risk of stroke and heart attack
5. Added stress and damage to lungs
6. Fuels anxiety and more
It turns out the great motivator eventually turns into the magnificent monster. Apparently, anger is really good at starting the car, but it is a horrible companion to take on a road trip.
No wonder the Word of God says, And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, (Eph. 4:26). And, "Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many (Heb 12:15)."
The often overlooked trait of anger is how tricky he can be. He likes to brag about how he can help settle the score with others, but for some reason, he has little to say about how very seldom his friends escape without becoming victims.
So yeah, we have great reasons to be mad about all that is happening today, but we have even more reasons not to stay that way.