Let it Go!
Today’s message was written by guest pastor, Rev. Eric Wogen.
Nelson Mandela once spoke these memorable words:
Holding on to anger is like taking poison and expecting another to die.
How true. Unless we live alone in a cave somewhere, there will be times when we find ourselves harboring negative thoughts about someone we feel is ever so deserving of our anger and wrath. Anger quickly flows when we determine we have been treated poorly, dealt with unfairly, cheated out of what is rightfully ours, snubbed, embarrassed, belittled, slighted or subjected to a host of other irritating injustices. To be sure, anger is an emotion common to us all.
To feel anger is normal.
To retain it can be unhealthy and even self-destructive.
Nelson Mandela was right ——- to hold on to anger is, indeed, like taking poison and expecting another to die.
We would all do well to remember this remarkable man’s words of wisdom. Doing so will serve us well and will benefit others, too. If shedding anger comes naturally for you, keep it up. If holding on to anger is more your style, why not try a new approach. Follow the simple advice nestled in the theme song of the once-popular musical , Frozen. LET IT GO ! LET IT GO !
You’ll be glad you did and so will those around you.
Let us pray : Gracious God, you have taught us to love you and one another. Truly loving someone involves being able to let go of our anger and the other bad feelings that sometimes get stuck within us. Remind us this day that sharing your love is what brings us joy and makes this world a brighter place. In the name of our living Lord, we pray. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Eric Wogen
Pastor Eric Wogen was born in Chicago, Illinois, and claims mid-western roots, even though he lived in many different places while growing up due to his father’s employment with the Pennsylvania Railroad. A graduate of Radnor High School in suburban Philadelphia, he received an AB in History from Gettysburg College and a MDiv degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. His first call was to a wonderfully affirming congregation in Sellersville, PA, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ridge Valley, where he joyfully served until being called as Assistant to the Bishop of the Southeastern Synod (LCA). He returned to parish ministry in 1979 when he was called to serve St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hanover, PA. After more than twenty years at St. Matthew, he was called by St. Armand’s Key Lutheran Church in Sarasota, Florida to be its pastor and served there until his retirement in 2008. Full Bio
