The Drama Vortex

The Drama Vortex

Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.

Proverbs 21:23

The message that popped up on Facebook reeked of drama—the unhealthy, suck-you-in-and-twist-you-up kind of vortex that I’ve disliked for my entire life, but have grown to especially hate this past year. I had found myself inadvertently drawn into a situation involving adults who, despite being well into their thirties and forties, were engaging in behaviors I can only liken to the mean-girl antics of seventh graders.

I’ve never been “good” at drama. My stomach clenches with anxiety when I find myself in the turbulent waters of hidden agendas, fake niceness, and people who say one thing and yet mean something completely different.

I’ve watched a fellow Christian respond to this situation with uncommon grace and genuine peacemaking gestures that are a beautiful reflection of Christ. Meanwhile, I’ve struggled mightily to be civil, let alone graciously Christlike, despite my head knowledge of Scripture and of the ways Jesus calls us to respond to those who are unkind. I’m prayerfully working on my attitude, but I find myself in the spot of having to remain silent and simply avoid the individuals involved in the drama for fear that my response in this emotional state will do more harm than good to the cause of Christ.

I want to be someone who is intentional about revealing Christ through my words and deeds. I’m discovering that I have to be equally intentional when faced with how I respond in situations where I know my emotions run high and have a tendency to bubble over in unhelpful ways, despite my best intentions. Sometimes the best way to stay out of trouble is to zip our lips and silence our tongues. And while I know my ideal response would be full of grace and mercy, I also know it has to be genuine and heartfelt. Until I can respond that way, my best response is no response at all.

—Julie

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Are you in the midst of an emotional storm that’s tempting you to react in a way that is unbecoming for a follower of Christ? Choose instead to respond in a thoughtful, gracious way.