Father Len offers perspective and advice to those who feel anger and fear after the recent national election or following any loss or disappointment in life.

Highlights, Ideas, and Wisdom

Father Len’s concerns about the effects of what he refers to as “post traumatic election syndrome” inspired this episode.
Father Len shares a personal experience from a trip to Colombia to put election induced anger, fear, and anxiety in perspective.
Father Len explains why joy, determination and patience, not anger, are the remedy for injustice.
Jesus implores us to responsibly control the emotions in our hearts, without excuse.
Anger clouds our hearts and minds.
When you’re angry is not the time to figure out how to respond to what’s causing your anger.
“When you’re angry or in a bad mood at work, just go home because you’re just gonna make everyone you work with miserable.” – Sage advice from Father Len’s former bookkeeper
History is not logical. One of the best things that ever happened to Christianity was the fall of Rome. It actually helped Christianity spread.
History’s greatest and most effective activists, like Martin Luther King Jr and Dorothy Day, turned their anger into steely determination based on prayer and peace.
Anger often turns people away from your cause.
We need to place our hopes in eternal truths:

Christ is our King, not a political group, political faction, or any nation.
Faith and love, not anger will unite our country.

Father Len’s tips for calming anger:

Breathe deeply through your nose.
Pray
Place the source of your anger in a world 10 years from now and try to imagine if it will really be the big deal or emergency you think it is now.
Stop or limit your “doom scrolling” (constantly checking the news for stories that will trigger your anger and anxiety)
Focus on an upcoming joyful event in your life.

Father Len introduces his “St. Jolly Project” to add more fun and joy to life.
It’s little things in life that make a real difference. Like a song that suddenly puts you in a good mood.
Prayer to Fast from Incivility