Mend Fences
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I missed the memo.
Apparently, today was “Angry Email Response Day.” If I had known, I probably would have taken the day off and gone to the beach. Alas, I missed the announcement and got swept up into the verbal tumult.
My initial gut reaction when I read an inflammatory response is quite similar to a pit bull in a cage. I want to bark loudly and sink my sharp teeth deeply into someone’s flesh.
Not pretty, I know.
Instead, I chose a somewhat less violent alternative. I checked my Facebook feed as I simultaneously whined like a petulant child.
My husband offered to punch someone for me. (Note: He was kidding. Bruce is not like me. He is peace loving and non-confrontational to a fault.)
However, the only punch that was volleyed was by God. Yep, God volleyed a Holy Spirit punch right at me.
I glanced down at my Facebook page in the middle of my tirade and read the words:
Humility
Gentleness
Patience
Love
Rather than selfishly hurl stones, I am to tenderly pick up the heavy weights and re-purpose them to mend fences.
Something to think about…
We really put ourselves out there and risk the kind of hurt and anger when we write, don’t we? Thanks for processing your responses “out loud” for the rest of us . . . .we’re all in that position at some point. Thanks for hosting the link up, and blessings to you this day.
You are too sweet, Michelle. I was actually praying about what to write a few minutes before this happened. It took me a few minutes to calm down and realize that God had just sent me a blog post. 🙂
I missed that memo too (thankfully, ha). I had heard it was Email Debt Forgiveness Day, which ironically, is quite different. The premise was to write an email that you’d been putting off way too long and now you were embarrassed to write since you waited so long. Write it anyway. I like that premise much better than the anger one. Your husband sounds similar to mine; he’s better than me at not getting riled up in the first place. We are blessed. 🙂
We married well. Yay! 🙂
This is my first time here – I saw the link at Lisa’s and decided to add my most recent post.
Enjoyed your post! I tend to react negatively, too, yet I don’t like confrontation, so I instead of fighting, I seethe inwardly – not healthy! Or honoring to God. I’m convicted by His graciousness to us, when He has every reason to be angry with us for how we act, and that encourages me to seek His grace to be gracious to others.
Welcome, Barbara! Isn’t LIsa wonderful? I love her blog. 🙂
I am praying for God to give me eyes of grace. It’s an uphill battle, but I am going to try to keep climbing with His help.
Isn’t it amazing how our God never misses the memo & knows how to place reminders in our path! So grateful for how He works in our lives!
He’s always right on time.
Lord, give me ears to hear! 🙂
Such a great post, Lyli. I have a bit of a temper also. Much better now with the Holy Spirit living in me. He really does change us from the inside out. Thank heavens.
Amen, sister. 🙂
The Holy Spirit is quite a force at creativity in the way He speaks to us. Whether through facebook, quiet time or even in the shower, he’s quick to get us back on track. So thankful He does!
I am thankful for that still quiet voice that speaks truth to my thorny heart.
Seriously? There is a “day” that encourages us to unload our anger on each other. {as if some of us need encouragement, right?} But an actual day? That is one worth boycotting for sure. I’m sorry you got wrapped up in it, but thankful that God used it as a teachable moment for you, and a good reminder to us 🙂
Nah, June! I was just being silly when I said that there was a holiday dedicated to angry e-mails. 🙂
In truth, I did read two very difficult e-mails yesterday. I am praying for God to give me a heart of grace as I respond.
Hi Lyli,
Ah, sorry about the nasty e-mail…never fun….and how good of God to speak to you because He loves you and He knows you desire to please Him…thank you for your wise example 🙂
Oh, that we would be still and wait upon the Holy Spirit to keep our tongues and hearts in alignment with Him. You did well and maybe Lisa’s comment about what she thought the emails were to be about would have brought words directly from Him to one who needed to hear them.
Your ways were of Him, Lyli. Praising Him.
So easy to be misunderstood with emailing, texting, Facebook, isn’t it.
Sigh.
We can’t see each other’s body language, spot the tear that’s falling, hear the tone of voice, or gently take hold of a weary hand.
Makes me long for the DAY when we’ll all be face to face, bathed in that holiest of grace that helps us love well.
;-}
I find myself praying more and more each day for God to give me His eyes of grace. I need more of Him to navigate the murky waters. 🙂
May we all strive to use words that mend fences rather than tear them down. Thanks for the reminder today, Lyli!
May He continue to fill your cup to overflowing!
This is my first time to your site and enjoy it very much. Thank you for the link-up! I’m at 67. Have a wonderful week!
God always seems to deliver what we need when we need it. Glad to link up for the first time. ~Cynthia