Incontinence

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

While reviewing the fruit of the spirit, I looked up each fruit in Strong’s concordance. Temperance is Strong’s Number G1466. The definition reads:

From G1468; self control (especially continence)

The word continence jumped into my imagination. Two definitions of continence are:

1. Self-restraint; moderation.

2. Voluntary control over urinary and fecal discharge.

I used to carry a lot of of anger.  At the least it was expressed through snide remarks.  Sometimes it was fully revealed. It was an area where I showed incontinence, lack of self-control.  I wonder if, during those times of incontinence, it might appear in the spirit realm as if I were wetting or soiling myself .  How appropriate that would be!

Physical incontinence tends to occur at the periphery of life, infancy and old age. One, I would expect to change with maturity; for the other, I might feel pity.

If someone shows lack of self-control toward me, I can certainly empathize.  I hope for his or her future, believing the person will change with maturity.  I don’t dismiss communication made during such times. There may be bits of truth I can see expressed amongst the sludge…

I love this life.

Copyright 2013 Leah Lambert Smith

Overcoming Anger

The knot of anger in my gut was incessant.  I overcame it by asking myself this question:

What are you afraid of?

Anger is based in fear.  Naming the fear turns it from some dark, heavy, uncontainable fog into something I can manage.  Comparing the power of the fear to the power of God, who banishes fear - the anger dissipates.

What are you afraid of?

Sometimes I've argued with the question.  I’d explain that I wasn’t afraid of anything.  The problem wasn’t with me but was with a person or situation.  No, the question remains appropriate.  Anger abides within one’s own soul.  I’ve always discovered a fear as the root of my anger. 

What are you afraid of?

I rarely get angry any more.  If I do, I deal with it quickly by asking the magic question.  God's power is always greater.  The anger ebbs away.  Peace is restored.

By the way, the times I struggled to name the fear, I’d ask God for wisdom.  He always enlightened me.

 I love this life.

Copyright 2012  Leah Lambert Smith