A Nevispages weekly feature by Curtis Morton Sr.
The way I see it, hatred and anger are not traits that will enhance longevity for the human being and these will only serve to speed the demise of those who harbour such, as part of their daily routine.
As a matter of fact, research has indicated that the more people harbour such thoughts, it will only negatively impact their lives.
I asked my good friend GOOGLE for some assistance and I want to share this with you dear reader:
“Anger and hatred are natural, but they are also some of the most toxic emotions that we can have. Feelings of rage and hatred build up in the mind, body and soul, affecting the body’s organs and natural processes and breeding even more negative emotions. Expressing anger in reasonable ways can be healthy, but explosive people who hurl objects and yell at others frequently may be at greater risk for heart disease. Prolonged bouts of anger can take the toll on the body in the form of high blood pressure, stress, anxiety, headaches and poor circulation. Research also shows that even one five-minute episode of anger is so stressful that it can impair your immune system for more than six hours. All of these health issues can lead to more serious problems such as heart attacks and stroke. Anger and hatred can be directed at yourself or at other people, but either way, you lose when you allow these negative foods for the soul to take over. Fortunately, there are some ways to overcome anger and hatred in your life.”
So imagine that you are harbouring thoughts of hatred and anger and setting up yourself for heart attack, stroke and damage to your immune system.
Well I newa!
In my work experience, I have learnt that people sometimes hate others without a cause.
I remember joining a particular workforce and finding myself in the middle of a HATE COMMITTEE. I found out a long time after, that I had not really done them anything. It was just a simple matter that when that particular job was advertised, they already had someone air marked for the job, so the fact that I actually secured the position, set me high on their HATE HORIZON.
I have also heard people say things like they don’t like a given individual because ‘me spirit no tek him! You ever hear wuss?
I grew up in an environment, learning in a real way that when people don’t ‘get on,’ it could prove to be really testing times. During my childhood, we had a neighbour named Emily and for whatever reason, she and my parents never got along. Their closest attempts at communication, were always tumultuous, to put it mildly.
However, in those days, we were taught that ‘big people drama, belong to big people,’ so we were taught still to have MANNERS, to even those who did not speak to our parents.
So, I made it a point of duty to ‘speak’ to Emily. That, of course, could include a politely raised hand, to acknowledge her presence.
One day, as I passed Emily, I said ‘good morning.’
Her reaction was shocking. My shadow was extending across the road, in her general direction and she turned and started to stamp on the head of my shadow, even as I made a hasty retreat. All the while, shouting to the top of her lungs: ‘Stop provoke me or I gine tell the Police!’
Well, after that day, I committed to passing Emily as fast as possible.
However, many years later, as a young man, I was faced with a dilemma. I was driving in the Gingerland area and it was raining heavily. I soon noticed a lady walking rapidly and she was not carrying any rain gear.
As I got closer, I realized that it was Emily, on her way to church.
I went into panic mode. To stop or not to stop was the question?
The moment of hesitation was not long. Somehow, I knew that the God whom I serve, expected me to offer her some assistance.
I duly stopped alongside her and she eagerly climbed into the bus.
She pleasantly said ‘good morning’ and ‘thanks much.’
As she settled into her seat however, I looked back and said ‘you are welcome.’
Emily blurted “Oh my God!” She started to open the door as if she was going to jump out and then relaxed.
We did not say a word again and I took her right to the gate of the church.
She walked quickly away, without saying a word.
However, several weeks later, as we crossed paths, I told her ‘good morning’ and Emily responded positively.
I could hardly believe it.
For the remainder of her existence on earth, there were times when she responded and other times she did not, but I am convinced that I operated in the way that God would be pleased with.
My admonition to us is to not harbour such traits because we will only be harming ourselves.
Imagine this: Somebody says something on the job that offends and hurts you. You go home vex with the world; curse and beat your wife and the children; refuse to eat your food; have a sleepless night and just exist miserably.
On the other hand, the person who hurt you, goes home, eats his food, treats his family well and sleeps like a baby and literally lives ‘happily after……’
You see then, that it does not make any sense to be harbouring hatred and anger?
The Bible admonishes: “Be angry and sin not……and let not the sun go down on your wrath….”
The suggestion here is that it is alright to get angry, but it should not be something you harbour for a long time and even when you are angry, you should endeavour not to sin.
May God help us to control our emotions and live happy and healthy lives, to give him honour and praise.
That’s the way I see it. How do you see it?