Can Anger Fuel A Virus?
By: Traci Vanderbush
Last night, I considered writing a blog about the Coronavirus, but something else popped into my mind as I outlined thoughts in my head. Anger. You need to address anger. I wondered what anger had to do with the virus. Anger...why anger? And then it came to me: there was a time in my life when I was paralyzed by anger, and now I have, on occasion, allowed this stinking virus to paralyze me with fear.
Rewind to many years ago. I was angry beyond belief. Disappointment filled every facet of my being. I trusted no one and I was tired of giving people the benefit of the doubt. A heart laid bare, believing in the goodness of humanity, now dripping with poison. I tried releasing my anger via Krav Maga; Israeli hand-to-hand combat. I loved the feeling of pounding on bags and sparring with people. The most delightful feeling was pressing my foot, hard and fast, deep into the core of a person who was thankfully protected by a punching bag.
I looked for a fight. I foolishly placed myself in situations where I hoped I would have to defend myself. Running, jumping over rocks, and escaping into the darkness to dish out my anger on God for not "protecting" me. One night, I ventured out to a store and as I walked across the parking lot, I spotted a man who lingered in the darkness. I was sure he was up to no good. Did I feel afraid? NO. I got excited! Now was my moment to unleash all of my disappointment, anger, and rage on someone without having to feel bad about doing so. Now was my moment to twist someone's neck and give him the death blow. (Did I mention that I was a pastor's wife at this time?)
The man followed me. Yeah, buddy...keep on coming. Keep coming, because you're in for a big surprise. His footsteps grew faster as mine did. I braced myself, exhilarated by the opportunity that presented itself. He stepped faster, getting right behind me. I quickly turned, fists prepared, a fierceness on my face that said, Bring it on! When the man saw my face, he froze with a look of terror. He put his hands up and backed away...then turned and ran. (Maybe he saw angels?)
No! Breathing rapidly and wishing he had not turned away, I felt God reminding me: "Do you remember that time when you were sparring and you got kicked in the stomach so hard, pain shot down your back and you couldn't walk? Couldn't dress yourself?" Yes, I remembered. During a moment of unleashing my rage, I took a kick that messed me up badly for a few weeks. It was excruciating. My husband had to help dress me every morning and help me to the bathroom. It was during that time that God had spoken to me, "You were meant to be a powerful force in this world, but you have allowed anger to paralyze you."
And here we are in the midst of a pandemic. The reports are terrifying and there are some who find themselves paralyzed by fear. That fear keeps us from being a powerful force for good, and it robs us of peace and joy. While knowing that Christ is in us and the Coronavirus disintegrates and dies in His presence, we also have to learn how to use wisdom and common sense for the sake of those around us, and stand in the face of this thing (that I believe was partially man-made). It's an enemy, but it will eventually die and we will overcome.
How does fear play into this? Living in fear paralyzes your immune system and lowers your ability to stay well. Fear invites darkness and it attracts the very things we want to stay away from. Let's commit to keeping our bodies, souls, minds, and spirits focused on the God of the Universe who has every answer to every problem. The answer is right around us and in us.
Wash your hands A LOT and sanitize. Avoid large crowds. If you're sick, stay home. If you cough or sneeze, have the decency to cover with your arm or a tissue...then throw that tissue away and wash your hands. Focus on Christ and release joy and peace to those around you. Don't judge them if they're afraid. Don't accuse them of lacking faith. Jesus is in it all and we are called to love one another.
For more writing from Traci, you can visit her blog at: www.tracivanderbush.blogspot.com