Choosing Not to Be Mad
Posted: Saturday, February 07, 2009
by Avis Ward
GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens
I was training in Atlanta last week. Have you experienced the surge of adrenalin when you impart what you know to a receptive crowd? Or learned something new to help with your growth and development as a person? The ideas rush in like bees to a honeycomb. I am still pumped but the world is trying to bring me down.
What I mean by mad is ticked-off, upset, angry, or really peeved! Why could I be mad but not? I could start with everything that I think is wrong with the world, my country, state, town, next door neighbor, or a family member. I could be dead wrong about what I think or completely accurate. Does it matter?
The big picture is what encompasses unconditional love. A conscientious effort is made to choose the spirit of my days in the midst of turmoil. I can become easily distracted by the cares of this world because like so many others, I care. Taking on those cares is what I work at avoiding. Doing battle, worrying, and being frustrated are not consistent with believing, trusting, and walking by faith.
There are many things I do not like. Giving them to God in prayer has been the best solution for me to keep my joy. If I don't like avocados, then why should I buy them and force myself to eat them? There are other nutrient-rich fruits to enjoy.
I have learned to handle every situation using the Fruit of the Spirit. If I disagree, I can be kind and loving when saying so. If I am being detained, I employ patience and gentleness. Using the Fruit of the Spirit helps me to be more like Christ in character. I can be a better person and do good things. I can enjoy peace.
We're not always told by family and friends what a pain we are to be around when we complain, criticize and condemn everything and everyone. If we take notice though, we can probably pick up signals from their nonverbal messages.
Being mad is not my solution. Rose-colored glasses only hide reality and truth about life. With all of the things that I could be mad about in this world, life on this side of glory is very good. Choosing happiness, gratitude, thankfulness and to be someone others enjoy being around are best for me.
2009 by Avis Ward of GeoVi's Home for New Life
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Top-level comments on this article: (8 total)"I have learned to handle every situation using the Fruit of the Spirit"Very well said Avis, sometimes the world can be a bad place to live in. We need to turn to the spirit to guide us along.Yes, we do need the Holy Spirit to guide us along. With our best efforts, we fall short but for grace and mercy. I'm thankful He knows our heart. I appreciate you, David. Thank you for the support and input.
Avis, I am reminded of "attitude" by Charles Swidoll. Once again, a well written, timely and much needed article.Ken, I looked it up and realized I was only familiar with the last part of "Attitude." ("I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it.") I had never read the entire piece and I agree with you. I'm honored, actually and humbled, too. Thank you very much for reading, commenting and being an encourager.
Avis!I DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU GET OFF TELLING US THIS STUFF. I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'RE SPOUTING THIS KIND OF PHILOSOPHY. I NEVER . . . I NEVER . . . I'M SO MAD I CAN'T EVEN GET THE RIGHT WORDS OUT. WHY . . . . WHY . . . . WHY . . .Sorry, couldn't resist. ;=)If we look to the Charity of Christ, he who lived a perfect life, he who may have been angry but only at the sin not the man, he always continued to love the person beyond their weaknesses. And of course, it is sooooooooo easy to love those who love us or are good, but what of those who "despise and use you"? Isn't it such a great challenge and learning tool to overcome our selfish desire to be hurt, to take anger personally, even if we are not responsible for that anger?And what's interesting is that you can have a bad thing happen to two people, one continues to shine through it and the other becomes bitter and full of resentment. It is such a waste of time and indicative of a small mind ("My thoughts are not your thoughts; my thoughts are higher than yours" Christ), he or she who hangs onto grudges and that of being wronged. If we build ourselves up, as the Bodhisattva (one who only looks to the betterment of others and can not be offended for his outward looking of love and healing), and know that it is better to maintain our character and goodness to not only do well for ourselves but for others we can do so much more.
For if someone takes your things, things can always be replaced. If someone attempts to take your character, if your character can never be called into question, then all they can take is the good. For what do we have to worry? For what do we need to be angry about? There is soooooo much that is not in our control, should we not look to that which can help us? Do we believe that if goodness rests solidly within, that the Greater Outer Goodness will not fill in, lift and support, in times of lack, want, hunger? If we worry, fret, become too frequently angered, doubtful, impassioned with vengence and spit, do we truly believe that, that which lives in the opposites of these negatives will bless us? The Greater Good, and it is greater in the sense that it dominates this universe, will help us only if we work towards a similar mindset and disposition. I can attest to this through personal experience and the experiences of hundreds who have had similar experiences.
Certainly a tall order, but with practice and the atoning sacrifice of the Savior to fill in where our human failings fall short, anything can be accomplished. If one does not believe so, then so be it. But for those who believe in great things, then great things will manifest in their lives.
Peace to you, Avis. And God bless.Jeff, you got me! Shame on you!
"Isn't it such a great challenge and learning tool to overcome our selfish desire to be hurt, to take anger personally, even if we are not responsible for that anger?"
"For if someone takes your things, things can always be replaced. If someone attempts to take your character, if your character can never be called into question, then all they can take is the good. For what do we have to worry? For what do we need to be angry about?"
"Certainly a tall order, but with practice and the atoning sacrifice of the Savior to fill in where our human failings fall short, anything can be accomplished. If one does not believe so, then so be it. But for those who believe in great things, then great things will manifest in their lives."
Profound, Jeff and worth repeating! Thank you for reading and contributing to this article. God bless you.
Hi Avis.It also reminded me of Swidoll. These are wonderful thoughts that you have put forth.Hugs,DianneThank you, Dianne. I'm happy you liked my thoughts.
Warm hug,
Avis
Avis,This is a very inspirational write! Thanks for writing and sharing this.Ronyae, you're welcome and thank you! I liked knowing you were inspired by this writing. Take special care!
God Bless you Avis. What an awesome timed word of "personal choice." Modern civilization is inclined to disbelieve in those things they can't seem to touch, feel, and smell. With skepticism they search for evidence of what they're asked to trust and have faith in while abandoing even their doubt when it comes to accepting truth, and neglecting those things which only bring grief to all those whose company they keep.Continue to allow God to lead you in your choices. I'm so sure He has never led you wrong. Pray for the world, for truly they do stand in need of a Savior.DeborahDeborah, and God bless you for your beautiful comments. Personal choices are ours to make and the Father allows us to make them. I'm thankful we know Him as a guide in making those choices. I will join you in prayer for those who do. . . and those who do not. Thank you for being an inspiration to me.
hi avis,it really bugs others when one can be calm in the face of adversity. especially when they can't.i have learned from the bottom up, and so much hostility is gone from my life, hence, life is better, even with it's ups and downs.thanks for sharing with us,my best to you,sue"I have learned from the bottom up, and so much hostility is gone from my life, hence, life is better, even with it's ups and downs."
You have chosen not to be mad but to live peacefully, through it all. I honor you for your choices, Sue and keeping your family a unit. Thank you for sharing, reading and posting your statements.
Blessings and my very best,
Avis
Avis, you are such a good hearted person and it always shows in everything you write.God Bless you and keep you.SandraSandra, I appreciate your comments and compliment so very much. Thank you. We have kindred hearts, you and I.
God bless and keep you,
Avis
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