WE DON’T suffer very well as a rule. We have so much rearing
pride to deal with first – as our first, innermost response. Our thinking goes
straight from the thalamus to the amygdala in what is known as an Amygdala hijack, so the higher order thought is bypassed. It’s little wonder we
fight, take flight or freeze!
Employing our thinking brain (the neocortex) means slowing
things down.
In regard to the injustices of life that press themselves
against us, we need to know, that, by simply being aware of our distinctive
reflex reaction, we can divert the hijack and allow thoughts to travel their
God-intended pathway – so we may “see” properly, allowing our minds to perceive
truth.
The truth is this: many things are set as traps against a
reptilian mind that is also hindered by a selfish heart. We all have such a
scourge against us: to rally against “an injustice” and allow ourselves free
reign of response against it. This never works out well for us or for others.
We may all be tempted to flash off in visible anger, become
quietly (and resentfully) annoyed, or take our chagrin out on the unsuspecting,
because something doesn’t agree with our sense for justice.
Love is the Answer – Love is Always the Answer
It is hard to defeat a “foe” who won’t return fire. Such as it is for us
when we suffer daily injustices very well.
Suffering well the injustices of daily life – like being moved from an
office with windows to an office devoid of a view – is simple if we will choose
to find the myriad blessings that remain, for they are there in plain view; the
glory of God for all to see!
For every vagrant injustice, there are ten or a hundred beautiful
fragrances of the Lord that remain; and nothing can snatch these from us!
When we can see with the eyes of truth – that there is much to be happy
about – we will inevitably be enticed back into the practice and state of love.
Instead of responding by one of a number of varying fashions of annoyance –
where our thinking is short-cut into hijack mode – we have the more attractive
route to travel on: into the broadness of love – accepting the new reality,
holus bolus.
***
Injustices swarm with living
intent every day. Annoyance (pride) is the typical response. Coming to a serene
acceptance, in the mode of the injustice, is not only possible, but it’s the
gospel way. By faith in Jesus we can suffer daily injustices not only well, but
very well.
© 2013 S. J. Wickham.
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