We live in an angry time. In fact, it is evident in our culture, politics, businesses, institutions, and the way we discourse with one another…that many people live with a deep, and often unexpressed, anger. Anger often explodes, and then in the aftermath we are left wondering, “What happened?”Yet youth leaders and pastors also know that we frequently work with people in our churches who are living with unexpressed anger. There are people who are angry with God, angry with the church, angry at life, angry—yes—with church leaders. Often people are not able to express this anger in healthy or healing ways—it simply comes out as vitriol or venom that is spouted in board meetings, after youth events or in the form of gossip. Anger is very much a part of our experience in church.
However, what are we to do with such anger? How can we help?
As with many emotions, it is often the case that anger is misdirected. When people are not in touch with their own needs and desires—when their disappointments and shattered dreams are not recognized—often the expression is a misdirected anger. Then, of course, we all need to express anger in healthy ways—not in blasts of frustration.
The season of hope is a wonderful time to discuss anger—and the fears we all have while living in an angry time. How might we begin the process of healing? How can we help others to express their anger in healthy ways? What forums can we offer?
There are alternatives—and God help us to find these sacred avenues of healing and hope.
