Written By: Felecia Causey
I try to stay in my own lane and focus on the business that pays me. Then there are those who let demons and evilness force them to mess with people who aren't causing them any harm. Have you ever met someone who was mean to you because their life was miserable, and they took it out on you? I recently dealt with an assistant school counselor who I felt was being smart with me via email, and I had every intention of being vicious and cruel in my response, but God touched my heart and said let it go. Have you ever felt like you didn't want to wait for God to handle it; instead, you demanded and needed revenge right away? Yes, I have! The Lord has been dealing with me about not attempting to get my lick back. Now, I am not going to sit here and lie and claim that this is a simple process; I am human.
I remember someone making fun of me and portraying me as a joke. I could have easily had them fired, cursed them out, or blasted them on social media, but when I realized that this person's life was in turmoil and that they were unhappy with themselves, my heart softened.
Outsiders cannot push certain buttons, whereas family members can. I heard a family member claim I've gained a lot of weight. This is coming from someone who has been overweight since I've known them. I could have been disrespectful and responded with some choice words, but instead I smiled. After replaying the situation in my mind, I reflected on what I should and could have said. As I journaled and informed God that I was upset and wished I had been disrespectful back, all I could hear was, Peace, be still, and this is not in your character.
I have had teachers and coaches that have been complete donkeys, and because I love God and my kids, I had to ask God to give me the right thing to say and do. Prayer and writing to God has saved me from acting in the flesh.
There were numerous moments when I said, "Lord, I don't want to wait; I want to get back at them now." It's unfair, and I don't understand why He doesn't act immediately on my behalf. I know his timing is impeccable, and I must trust Him.
Anger can easily turn into rage, and it can lead us to respond before we have had time to analyze the situation. This is a topic that I have been discussing with my family. It is the devil's goal to make us forget our integrity, lose our character, and, most importantly, forget God's mercy toward us.
I know the holidays are approaching, but the customers and employees at the store are unpleasant. Many people are struggling with a variety of emotions, including stress, loneliness, rage, fear, and so on. Bills, a lack of family, sadness, or the loss of a loved one may drive people to release their frustration on others. Is this fair? Definitely not! I'm learning to exhibit grace even when I don't want to or believe someone doesn't deserve it.
The next time you're angry or want to get your lick back, take a deep breath, smile, and thank God. Although I am sure it will take time to implement this strategy, we must start somewhere. I am learning not to let others dictate my emotions. I'm also learning that being angry takes a lot of energy and wastes time. As I've seen, several folks fail to simply take a breather rather than enabling someone who is unhappy to prevent you from embracing and enjoying everything that God has given you. A new year is approaching, and I hope that we can all carry this into it.
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