4/24/2021
Author: Mike Kelley
Title: Mike's Minute
If it be possible, as much as lies in you,
live peaceably with all men.
Romans 12:18
General Horace Porter wrote about a conversation he had with General Ulysses Grant one evening while they were sitting by a campfire. Porter noted, “General, it seems unusual that you should have gone through all the rough and tumble of army service and frontier life, and have never been provoked into swearing. I have never heard you utter an oath.”
Grant replied, “Well, somehow or other, I never learned to swear. When a boy, I seemed to have an aversion to it, and when I became a man I saw the folly of it. I have always noticed, too, that swearing helps to arouse a man’s anger, and when a man flies into a passion his adversary who keeps cool always gets the better of him. In fact, I could never see the value of swearing. I think it is the case with many people who swear excessively that it is a mere habit... they do not mean to be profane. To say the least, profanity is a great waste of time.”
Not only does anger give rise to harsh words, but harsh words feed anger. The seething soul used up valuable inner energy, leaving far less for the normal healthy functioning of the spirit, mind, and body.
To rid yourself of anger and frustration, perhaps the best place to begin is to watch your words. Watch what you are saying to yourself and others.
Remember, if you fly into a rage, you always have a bad landing!