When I submitted my post two weeks ago, I had no way of knowing that in a few short hours eleven police officers, on duty during a peaceful protest, would be gunned down in the street. I never imagined that something like that would happen in this country in this day and age. Oh, how my heart aches for those officers and their families and friends. And for our country.
The Savior's words in Luke 2,1 where He tells of the signs that will precede His Second Coming, come to my mind:
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. (Luke 21:25-26)One of the primary emotions, fear can create an uncomfortable sense of vulnerability. That discomfort often leads to anger. Anger triggers a surge of energy and creates a sense of control and power. People often see anger as the quickest and easiest way to regain control.
Part of the law of thermodynamics is the law of entropy which states that "a system will always move from a state of order toward a state of disorder." Everything falls down unless one makes the effort to keep it together. It takes work to keep a house clean, a garden weed-free, or a relationship healthy. Anger comes naturally, but since natural law tends toward entropy, when we give in to anger, we find ourselves on a slippery slope, moving from bad to worse. We have to overcome the "natural man/woman" and remember who we are and why we are here.
Elder Russell M. Nelson expressed his thoughts on this topic far better than I ever could.
I know that I am a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father who designed me to be a creator. It's part of my divine heritage. When I find myself in a difficult or uncomfortable situation, instead of letting myself give in to anger, I can look for the lesson to be learned and create joy from the experience. I can't always control the things that happen around or to me, but I can choose how I react to the situation. There have been times when I've felt wholly inadequate to face the task. It's a really scary world. But when I remember what the Savior did for me, I am reminded that even the smallest effort on my part is enough. He will make up for what I lack. Because He loves me. And because He loves me, I can show that love to others.
Life is magnificent.
Hugs~
I came across this article by Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley after writing this post. I find it very applicable to our needs today:https://www.lds.org/ensign/1991/06/of-you-it-is-required-to-forgive?lang=eng
Odd that on today when I do my post, I read yours. Today is the very day I needed to read this. I have a family member with some kind of undiagnosed mental illness. Not for lack of trying, but the pyschs just can't figure it out. For some reason this time when the usual pattern emerged, I had some deep betrayal and hurt and yes anger to work through to even respond without making it worse. It's a dance we've done for too many years. Thank you so much for reminding me through these words that the dance is worth it, and as Elder Holland said one day we will both be whole and glad we kept dancing.
ReplyDeleteOH Terri, I'm so sorry. Mental illness, and especially undiagnosed mental illness, can be heartbreaking and exhausting. I appreciate your kind comments. I pray every time I write that words will come that will help someone. Funny that I would read your comments during a time I have been considering giving up writing altogether. Your kind words helped me remember to stop comparing and keep trusting in the Spirit. hugs~
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