Metabolize the Anger

Photo by Oladimeji Odunsi found at https://sojo.net/articles/black-rage-anti-black-world-spiritual-virtue.

Meditation:

I’ve come to call this year the year of reconciliations.

These are happening, most immediately, within my family. In some cases, the relationships aren’t being “repaired,” per se, but beginning for the first time. There have also been reconciliations with friends and former colleagues, which have come about unexpectedly, but at just the right time.

The FaceTime, the calls, the texts, the emails are sometimes peppered with cussing, or some form of “let me tell you about yourself.” Most often—not always—there has been a mutual resolve to heal and move forward with a relationship that is necessarily different. I have listened to, and shared hard truths that probably should have been said years ago, but perhaps could not have been heard then.

These moments have been difficult; I’ve learned some painful things about myself and the people I love.

And these moments have been needed; I’ve learned things about myself and my loved ones that I wish I’d always known.There are, I hope, more reconciliations that will happen. In the ones that have, I developed a greater sensitivity to the precarity of relationships, and how a flash of anger can threaten to destroy it all.

This passage is an example.

God is in their feelings. The Israelites have created for themselves a placeholder in light of God and Moses’ absence (vv. 1-7). It is an action that I think is understandable, even if it is ultimately fleeting. Maybe I feel this way because, like them, I have at times felt like I’ve been in transition for too long. Even when the transition is ultimately liberating, I know how easy it is to reach for anything to anchor you, even if you know it cannot serve you. God, one would think, would understand this.

But God gets triggered and demands space for “my anger to burn against them.” Instead, Moses provides space for God to remember who they are, and what they value.

Anger is too often demonized in American culture. Especially if that anger is expressed by Black people, women, and people of color. Still anger can be instructive and useful. In the work I do as an advocate and organizer, anger can be a catalyst for liberatory change in our politics and social arrangements. Indeed, by tapping into this anger, God and Moses led the people out of enslavement, onto this continuing journey toward ultimate freedom.

We should always remain in touch with our anger. Yet this passage recognizes the damage anger can have on relationships when we are consumed by it. Even God needed space to metabolize anger before acting in harmful ways. What makes us think we don’t?

Song: “Don’t Look Back in Anger”—Oasis Cover, Featuring Maiya Sykes

Reflection Questions:

1. Are there relationships in your life that need reconciling? Is it possible, or even healthy, to do so?

2. Have there been times when anger has damaged a relationship? How so?

3. What tools or tactics have you used to process anger?

Call to Action:

Write a letter to a loved one with whom you are currently angry. Be specific about the reasons, and as honest as possible about the harm they have caused. This letter is for yourself, and your processing. But as you write, think about what it might look like to share it with them.

About the Author

Reggie Weaver (he/him) is an activist, organizer, and theologian, working to ensure a healthy democracy throughout the state of NC.

Stay connected to Reggie:

IG: @ridesinraybans

FB: Reggie Weaver

These Black Lent devotionals were originally curated by IG: goodneighbormovement.

Breath Prayer

Inhale:

Let my anger tell the truth.

Exhale:

Let my rage protect the holy.

Scripture: Exodus 32:7-14 (NIV)