Admittedly, I need to work on managing my emotions, especially anger. Please forgive me when I fail to count to 10.
Love, your mum.
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ANGER MANAGEMENT
Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen. – Leviticus 19:18
Phinehas Gage was a capable and efficient railroad construction foreman. But in 1848, he had a freak accident where a rod pierced through his skull above his left eye. His recovery was miraculous but the damage to the front lobe of his brain caused Gage to be angry, short-tempered and unsteady.
Many point to his case in illustrating the role that our frontal lobe plays in controlling our anger. Scientists say that this part balances the amygdala, the portion of our brain dealing with our emotions that goes crazy when we're angry. This whole balancing act can take as little as two seconds to control our anger. That's why there's great wisdom in counting to 10 before reacting when we're infuriated.
God has equipped our bodies with systems to control our emotions. We don't need to be a slave to our feelings; instead, we can be their master. But more than the physiological mechanisms He has built into us, God also gives us His power to bear the fruits of patience and temperance.
So the next time you feel like bursting with rage, remember: God has already given you what you need to control your anger. Then start counting to 10. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)
Reflection: For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Jesus, teach me to master my emotions. Amen. Blessed John of Fiesole, pray for us.
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