WHAT DO I DO WITH MY ANGER? (#3)

PERSUADE, PROVIDE, PERSIST

Conquer the angry one by not getting angry;
conquer the wicked by goodness;
conquer the stingy by generosity,
and the liar by speaking the truth.
~ The Dhammapada

There are times when anger should move us to action, when we must defend what is right and just, when we must protest what is not. As I reflect on how I might take action this week, three ways come to mind: persuade, provide, and persist.

Jim and I have tried to persuade leaders into changing unjust attitudes and policies. We have written letters to representatives and elected officials, and we have spoken before county commissioners and school board members. Each time, our correspondence has not prompted a reply. Our speeches have not softened stances or impacted decisions. We have yet to hear someone say, “Oh, I see your point now, thank you!”

But even if Jim and I cannot persuade, we can provide. When we speak against injustice, we are providing companionship, alliance, and encouragement for our marginalized or oppressed friends–the ones who are quietly listening, who tearfully thank us afterward. We can also provide help through other ways (offering community support, raising awareness and understanding) for those whose needs are largely ignored and whose identities are demeaned.

And when we are unable to persuade leaders into changing their minds and attitudes, we can provide our gratitude and financial support for the ones who can be more influential–the like-minded political and spiritual leaders who share our values of justice, equality, and democracy; the ones who can be more persuasive through their position, community involvement, integrity, or eloquent speech.

Our ability to make a difference will also increase as greater numbers of us with smaller voices or lesser roles persist in bringing about change. Joining with others in a common cause provides us with the courage, camaraderie, and enthusiasm to take on the issues before us. Our persistence will convey our determination, our strength, and our unity as we work against the ills of our society. We can persist in prayer (Luke 18:1), in meeting together (Matthew 18:20), and in working for good (Galatians 6:9).

Jesus’s life was one of persistent action against injustice, oppression, and other societal issues, and his life serves as an example for us. He stood against biased and harmful political, social, and religious systems by modeling a different way. He protested by turning tables, but also with thought-provoking statements and at times, silence. Jesus persuaded his followers by modeling goodness against wickedness, simplicity and generosity against greed and power, and speaking truth against falsehoods and fabrications. He worked against unjust social systems by providing both help and hope for those who were poor, suffering, and marginalized. Jesus didn’t spend as much time trying to persuade the powerful, hard-hearted leaders of their day, but instead, provided his humble followers with loving guidance and eternal hope to live a better way.

Help me, God, to follow the ways of Christ as I work to make a good difference in this world; to persuade through loving kindness, to provide with faithful generosity, and to persist in eternal hope.

What do I do with my anger?
1. Begin with God.
2. Step out in faith.
3. Persuade, provide, and persist.

This is the last of my What Do I Do with My Anger? series. Take good care, my friends.
(Photo by Karen)