Admin writes "On 13 Mar 11, the Men's Ministry of St. Patrick's in Colorado Springs discussed the subject of anger. After the morning breakfast, the men viewed a video by Rob Bell entitled, “Store.” The video portrayed daily situations that generates tension within us, tension which rises to anger. The video related that we see it in traffic, in the store, in school, in the office, at home, almost everywhere we go.
The video pointed out that anger is a powerful stimulus that can unleash a tremendous amount of emotional energy. It also related that even Jesus got angry, but there is a lesson for us as to how Jesus directed His anger. Though anger is an emotion experienced by everyone, the video suggests that the problem isn't anger, it is what we do with it. The result of the anger of Jesus was to direct it into action for a greater good, but the question is, to what does our anger lead?
One point of the video is that when we ask ourselves about that to which we wish to devote our lives, we often ask about what we love. The video suggested that another question about which we should ask is what makes us angry. How often do we get upset and say, “Somebody should do something about that.” The narrator commented, “Maybe the somebody is you.”
The video also raised the question about the things which make us angry. It related an example of a woman who got angry in a restaurant where she thought she was having to wait too long for a meal, yet, in contrast, there are millions who go hungry around the world. The narrator commented about how people become angry about things which do not matter, and yet, so many overlook things which do matter.
The theme of the video is that anger is a matter of perspective, a matter of passion and a matter of channeling our anger to a greater good. The bottom line is that our anger can be the source of positive action or that which increases the brokenness of the world.
In the discussion which ensured, the men were asked to discuss what has driven their anger and where does the anger lead? It was noted that we often cope with anger throughout the day, but it also uses energy up within us. As our anger mounts, then, something relatively inconsequential can send us over the edge. It can come out at times that impacts our relationships, most importantly those we love.
One gentleman related that he was reminded that we too often attempt to solve our issues by ourselves, but we fail to call upon the One with unlimited resources. We often forget to hand our anger over to God so that our anger does not get the best of us.
Another gentleman commented that men respond to hurt with anger. It is an outside emotion. He wondered if it was possible to help ourselves to deal with anger by re-directing our energy into causes designed to correct an injustice. He wondered if anger seethes within us sometimes due to inaction.
It was noted by the facilitator that one of the reasons for the men's ministry is to help direct our passion into works for the benefit of our community. The question was raised how we can use what was discussed at work or in the community.
Another gentleman related how someone asked him, “And you're a Christian?” He commented that sometimes people get stuck in their anger, but we have ask ourselves about what we are going to do to get over it.
As the discussion came to a close, it was noted that anger can be good to turn passion into positive action which makes a difference. It can be used to drive our energy to contribute to the greater peace. Still we must be careful that we do not let anger rise about that which is not important, that we do not allow it to turn to wrath and destruction. The facilitator closed the discussion with, “Your masculinity is a gift to the world. Use it wisely.”
The session was closed with the prayer: “May you become aware of your anger. May you learn to channel it, focus it, direct it into something beautiful. And may it fuel sacred acts of healing and restoration.”
Reference:
Rob Bell – Store
http://nooma.com/nooma-store-016-rob-bell.php
Nooma films are produced by Flannel, a non-profit, donor supported organization. Flannel is “committed to giving everyone a fresh look at the teachings of Jesus.” Information for making donations to Flannel can be obtained at: http://support.flannel.org/
"
