Releasing Your "Anger Anchor" (Post #64)

"However, it's essential that we humbly acknowledge the words within James 1:20 which says, "For human anger does not accomplish God's righteousness."(CSB)."

Fact:  everybody gets angry.  By accurate definition, the word 'anger' is defined as "a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility." Wikipedia takes anger to a higher mark by adding that "the emotion anger, also known as wrath or rage, is an intense emotional state. It involves a strong uncomfortable and hostile response to a perceived provocation, hurt, or threat."

You'd have to be living under a rock to have missed the impact of anger on western culture.  Everything from women's rights, race relations, illegal immigration, and of course, politics all garner their demographics and catalyst their base from the position of anger.  Karlyn Bowman penned an article for Forbes entitled "How Angry Are We? What the Polls Show." During her article, she made a note of some significant cultural impacts caused by anger:
 
"Starting in 1997 when the Pew Research Center began asking people about feelings "toward the federal government," 12% said they were angry, 56% frustrated, and 29% content. In their most recent question from 2017, twice as many people (24%) said they were angry. Fifty-five percent were frustrated and 17% content. There are consistent partisan differences in Pew's trend. During Bush's presidency, Democrats were angrier. During Obama's, Republicans were."
 
These facts, coupled with the informative and near destructive patterns of the 24-hour news cycle, and you can see why anger is becoming in this day and age, just as American as baseball and the luxury of healthcare. 

"You'd have to be living under a rock to have missed the impact of anger on western culture.  

In the first section of the Muller Report, concerning Russian interference with the 2016 Election, it details how the Russian operated the IRA (Internet Research Agency.)   Within their operation, they were very informed of anger's impact on American culture.  And, they would also go on to utilize the very known narrative of rage against the American people.  In his report, he details the following:
 
"Initially, the IRA created social media accounts that pretended to be the personal accounts of U.S. persons.  By early 2015, the IRA began to create larger social media groups or public social media pages that claimed (falsely) to be affiliated with U.S. political and grassroots organizations.  In certain cases, the IRA created accounts that mimicked real U.S. organizations…  More commonly, the IRA created accounts in the names of fictitious U.S. organizations and grassroots groups and used these accounts to pose as anti-immigration groups, Tea Party activists, Black Lives Matter protestors, and other U.S. social and political activists." 
 
Why would they choose these groups?  Simple, they know that these groups typically deal with issues that stir many to fury.  Genius?  Of course.  However, is it sad?  Well, yes. It's powerful to think that literally another country, was so informed of our appetite for anger, that they were able to weaponize it against us. 

"Why would they choose these groups?  Simple, they know that these groups typically deal with issues that stir many to fury."

It is undeniable that anger is shared amongst all people, and it's sadly becoming more common amidst American culture.  However, we also can't negate the fact that many of the topics that produce such anger, are paramount for discussion, and cannot be avoided.  Yes, things like racism, immigration, closing the wage gap, equality, and religion do stir at the hearts of many to deep emotion.  However, the progress that's needed within the conversation is more critical than the passion it produces.
 
So, what's the point?  Avoiding the anger-driven topic would be a tragedy.  However, learning how to manage our anger would be a victory.  As it stands, irritation appears to be going nowhere soon; therefore, I pray you'll consider these 5 notes on how to release your "anger anchor."
 

• Be Honest With Yourself:  We are all unique individuals, who all have unique triggers and challenges.  You must approach any potentially anger-prompting conversation or situation with a realistic understanding of yourself.  The fact is, there is a reason why Martin was Martin, and Malcolm was Malcolm.  Sure, they both stood against racial injustice.  However, Martin’s non-violent approach wasn't even an option for Malcolm.  Therefore, you must push your pride aside and admit that there are some conversations that you may not be ready for.  If conversing about a particular subject, forces you to an unmanageable dark place, I'd say it's wise just to avoid that topic with strangers altogether.
• You May Need Anger Management:  As stated, we know that anger is a reality for us all.  However, some individuals may have such an uncontrollable state of rage, that they actually need professional help to address it.  Carolyn Steber penned an informative article for Bustle.com entitled "6 Signs You Might Have an Anger Problem." Within the writing, she challenged the readers to consider a few things.  First, are you passive-aggressive?  Does anger make you physically aggressive?  When angry, do you typically blame other people and rarely find fault in yourself?  Are you mad more often than not?  Do you find that your anger is often raised in situations that may seem mild?  And finally, when angry, are you mad for a long time?  If you answered yes to most or all of these questions, it would be wise to seek some professional help to develop strategies for anger management. 
• Civility Is Key:  The most successful debaters and pundits understand this simple rule – we don't have to agree to be agreeable. That is, we don't have to go blow-for-blow because we can't see eye-to-eye.  Civility within anger mustn't be considered as a ministry for all.  Therefore, when in doubt, see Rule #1.  In other words, a great deal of debate success can be lost if the debater can't harness their anger and use it to their communicative advantage.  In 1965, the incomparable and intellectual James Baldwin was in a debate with Mr. William F. Buckley, Jr. on the topic of race relations and the Negro experience in America.  In the 60s, in America, I can't imagine how such an issue would even be up for "debate." However, it was the poised anger of Baldwin, in a day and age that should have never given him a platform that caused him to stand victorious.  If you feel called to be an ambassador of tenacious issues, you must do so with civility and bridled hostility in mind.  
• If There's No Listening, You May Need to Start Leaving:  Here is a hard fact, I believe in "necessary conversation"; however, I don't support unnecessary contention.  One of the staple signs of the later is when the conversants have abandoned the fine art of listening.  It has been profound said that one should "seek to understand before seeking to be understood." This is because particular dialogue, absent a specific and assured delivery, will undoubtedly lead to destruction.  Even the Bible says in Titus 3:10–11, "(10) If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. (11) For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them." (NLT) 
• Keep God At the Center of All of Your Emotions:  Yes, anger is a God-designed emotion, given to mankind by their Creator.  And yes, it is possible to be angry and to avoid sin altogether (cf. Ephesians 4:26).  However, it's essential that we humbly acknowledge the words within James 1:20 which says, "For human anger does not accomplish God's righteousness." (CSB). We must pray and allow God to guide us within the space of our emotions.  He is our sustainer, and we cannot make it without Him. 

 
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Imperfectly,

Kevin D. Jones, Sr.

Author and Publisher of Perfectly Imperfect Perfectionist
(@kevindjonessr)
(@imperfection360)