The Random Yak

Today’s Object Lesson: some things, you’re better off not knowing. Unless, of course, that’s not the case.

While running through the results of a google search for “ea” (to confirm that this is, in fact,an all-vowel word meaning “a stream or riverbed”) I came across the following website:

Emotions Anonymous.

Yes, this appears to be a real organization dedicated to the proposition that twelve-step recovery programs aren’t just for alcoholics and overeaters. Now I don’t personally qualify, because the websitereserves membership for those possessed of a (strange and inexplicable) “desire to become well emotionally.”

Joking aside, I looked into the Twelve Step recovery program advocated by EA, withthe full intent of subjecting the organization to a complete and thorough verbal drubbing.Certain I would discoveryet another humanistic, relativistic program dedicated to the proposition that “I’m OK, You’re OK, and Nothing is Forbidden,” I looked forward to decorating, hanging andsystematically destroyingyet another Personal Pinata of Fisk.

But it was not to be.

Instead, Inoticed with surprise that the core principlessuggestrecovery through dedication to and acceptance of God. Initial appearances suggest this organization sees God (capitalized – and not directly referenced as the LORD butused in a manner strongly suggestive of the LORD)asthe guiding and controlling influencein the life of the emotionally well, and therefore the only route to renewed mental and emotional health for those struggling to regain control over their emotions.

Interesting.

Interesting, because it’s the last thing I expected, and interesting because I happen to agree. Worldly influences impact us all on an emotional level, and frequently it is prayer, meditation and the study of God’s word (as stated in the Bible – Old and New Testaments alike) which enables the believing Christian to overcome emotional reactions and make considered, rational decisions. Decisions based on emotional reactions rarely turn out to be wise. Far more often, the emotionally prompted (or justified) decision results in a far worse (and notably more emotional) situation than the one which caused theproblem.

Ignoring emotiondoesn’t provide an acceptable answer. Most people lack the capacity to ignore or dismiss emotional reactions completely, and emotion isn’t altogether negative. Problems arise, however, when emotion controls reason and overwhelms logic and common sense.

Which, of course, is where prayer comes into play.

Considered prayer consists of laying one’s troubles or concerns before God andreviewing the manner in which God has acted in the life of the individual seeking guidance (and othersin similar situations, includingthe experiences of individuals named in the Bible)as well as applicable portions of God’s word (as revealed through Scripture). Considered prayer – when undertaken with the specific intent to determine how God would like the individual to proceed – tends todiminish emotion, if only because overwhelming emotion acts in opposition to logic and reason, and the two cannot often share the same mental space at the same time. Continuous, focused prayer tends to shift the focus from the will of the individualto the will of God, and where the will of the individual easily sways in reaction to human emotion, the will of God remains constant despite our human desires. As we learn to focus on God’s will, not just accepting but actively seeking to conform to His plan for our individual lives, we learn to control the emotional reactions which represent our faulty, human desires.

The will of God works evil for no man, and the person who seeks to discover and abide by His plan will discover many fascinating benefits, among them the ability to control and overcome wild negative emotions and the deep, pervasive joy which accompanies the knowledge that one is living within (rather than fighting against) the will of God. The decision to dedicate one’s life toservingthe LORD does not guarantee – or even imply – that emotional reactions will cease. If anything, the man or woman actively seeking to follow Christ may encounter more difficult situations and experience an increased potential for emotional distress. But the person whoconstantly andactively seeks a closer relationship with Godlearns to subordinate emotion to reason and to find consolation through active, considered prayer.

By God’s grace the thinking, praying Christian develops the skills to counter emotion and to make decisions based upon logic, reason and an understanding of the will and promisesof God. Because the Christian comes to understanda very important lesson the world generally – and emotionspecifically – would prefer we missed:

Not only isn’t it all about you … it isn’t really about you at all.

And that, gentle readers, is whatthe fortunatefind at the end ofrabbit trails.

Trackposted to Webloggin, Cao’s Blog, third world county, and CommonSenseAmerica, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.