Beware of the corrosive power of Anger.

“Misdirected anger.”

As though the alienation provoked by the pandemic was not enough, these days we see our misdirected anger spilling even over onto those we love. A dark shadow of anger, hate and resentment like a fog has come down over our beautiful blue planet.

When man reaches the end of his rope, instead of grasping with godless frustration, he is supposed to find the hand of God. Nothing frustrates a man more than to lose the partial control of the things he thinks he should be able to control.

At that point the classic routine repeats itself: man runs out of faith and patience and starts a journey with no destination seeking a target on which to take his anger. Like an innocent deer, someone will step out in front of the shotgun of the angry hunter.

The temptation to shoot will become irresistible because, blinded by his anger, he believes that it will bring him resolution. When his rage subsides and his eyes see clearly again, he will realize his issues remain and he has only harmed an innocent “Bambi.”

As you deal with people in your interpersonal relationships, do not forget to be gracious and understanding. The one who is in front of you might look like the devil himself, but he is not. Develop the practice of giving people the benefit of the doubt. In a similar occasion you might appreciate being the recipient of such mercy.

Sometimes I do not ask for help even though I am badly in need of it because I do not want to give the impression that God is not enough for me. In my pride I do not want people to think that I am a coward or that my faith is too small.

Then I remember how the Almighty God “in a hurry” sent an angel to Joseph and Mary to get up in the middle of the night and flee to Egypt to save the life of baby Jesus.

I realize, of course, that it could have been a better idea not to wake up baby Jesus from his sleep and a nursing young mother from her needed rest and instead of having a host of angels destroy all the armies of Herod. But then, how could the Scriptural prophecy and predestination come to pass rigorously unaltered?

Let us agree to conclude together that if anyone had faith and was not afraid of anyone or anything, it was without a doubt God Almighty. Yet he set an example like in the resurrection of Lazarus he said “Lazarus come out” but he let the people remove the bandages because that we can do on our own; Jesus did not need to do by miracles.

Therefore, with humility in every step and action, let’s patiently endure the sufferings of this present time; knowing that even this time it has it’s predestined purpose. Otherwise, we might find ourselves kicking against God’s plan in this pandemic.

It is wise to remove anger from the heart before something like a Cain knocks at your door.

Gerry Gutierrez.

PS. Harry trying to catch Caleb at age two...Harry trying again seventeen years later. Great smiles.