The phrase, "It's all the rage," usually refers to something that's new and "hot" or popular. It signifies that some sort of trend has caught on and is spreading wildly--you see it everywhere you look. The phrase is also sometimes invoked by someone who is wearing or doing something that seems out of the norm, in an attempt to explain their unusual choice of fashion or behavior: "Why are you wearing red mascara?" "Why, it's all the rage in Paris!"
There is a trend that has been swirling all around us for too many years to count that is definitely "all the rage." It's featured on television on a regular basis. Countless news stories are written about it. All sorts of "experts" discuss its origins and effects on the culture. In France, when something this big is all the rage, you will hear expressions like, "Ooh, la, la!" But, in this case, the expression would be more like, "Oh, no, no!" Why? Because "all the rage" I'm referring to is literally all the rage.
There is a lot of unchecked anger being toted about every day. Smiles or stoic expressions are often sported on the surface in an attempt to cover the seething rage that lurks only a skin prick away. Just look at entertainer Chris Brown's blowup following an interview on ABC's Good Morning America yesterday.
ABC News reporter Robin Roberts is said to have followed the usual protocol in securing permission from Brown prior to the interview to include questions about his physical altercation with singer Rihanna in 2009. However, when the questions arose, Brown's boiling point also rose. Immediately after the interview he was allegedly heard ranting loudly in a back room, and is also presumed to be responsible for throwing a chair or something and shattering a window. All this from a person who insists that everyone should completely forget about the violence of the Rihanna incident so he can put it behind him. I'm just glad Rihanna wasn't behind him when the chair went flying.
The "Bachelor's" recent star, Brad Womack may have also been sporting "all the rage." In fact, Emily Maynard, the woman Womack says he wants to spend the rest of his life with has been slowing down the wedding train, explaining, "We need to figure out how we fight, and how we deal with things, and how we communicate." It appears Womack may have anger issues, and Maynard may have jealously issues to sort out. If so, Maynard is wise to insist that those issues be worked through up front.
We know that anger is a human emotion that all of us will display in varying degrees. But God's Word clearly admonishes, "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you" (Ephesians 4:26).
Anger is not inherently evil, but the sources behind it can be. "For, wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every kind of evil. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere" (James 3:16-17).
"What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn't it the whole army of evil desires at war within you?" (James 4:1)
"Let there be tears for the wrong things you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor" (James 4:9-10).
Perhaps instead of getting irritated at inevitable questions and tirelessly pursuing F.A.M.E., Chris Brown and any of us who have been sporting "all the rage" should demonstrate heartfelt repentance and sensitivity regarding our actions and pursue honor, in accordance with James 4:9-10. That's not necessarily the natural thing for us to do, but God in His infinite power is able to give us the desires of our heart when those desires are in accordance with His will. If we really want to do better, God will help us do just that.
I am not condemning Chris Brown, Brad Womack, or anyone else who has had to live their life under the glare of the spotlight. But, I am challenging them and us to not be o.k. with not being o.k.
We are not o.k. if we have a temper, easily lose control, or anything else along those lines. It's simply not healthy for us physically, emotionally or spiritually. It may feel good at the moment to "get it out", but in the end, all temper tantrums really do is "get us out" of relationships and opportunities that can not withstand the constant explosions.
We have to get to a place where we love ourselves enough to deal honestly with the hurt, frustration and fears that often underly our anger instead of forcing those around us to tiptoe around our land mines. And, once we are free enough to examine our own faults and needs, we will stop blaming others for "making us angry."
Once we are free enough to admit that remaining on the path of anger is a choice, we can make a better choice. Once we are ready to put God in the driver's seat of our lives, we will finally stop driving away good people. Instead, we will finally be able to get rid of what's been driving us mad--it's not our families, not our jobs, not fame, fortune or the lack thereof. It's all the rage.
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
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Postscript
In the original version of this blog I made an interesting typo. Instead of referring to "Chris" Brown I typed his name as "Christ" Brown. Perhaps that was God's way of saying He wants us to sincerely pray that Chris will be more like Christ--which is what God wants from all of us! Intercessors, you have your assignment!
Rev. Karen
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