On the Subject of Rants
Well, I'm finally feeling
inspired to write after months of silence.
What has inspired me? The subject of ranting.
What is ranting? This is the definition that most accurately
describes my understanding of ranting: to speak or declaim
extravagantly or violently; talk wildly; rave; to express at
length a complaint or negative opinion
I've been known to rant a
bit about certain subjects. In fact,
just lately, I've let fly more than once with some of my frustrations about a
particularly difficult and painful situation.
Having been a regular ranter
and having lived with one, I thought I'd share some points about ranting that
might be enlightening, amusing and perhaps helpful.
These points aren't
necessarily in any order.
* The one on the receiving
end of the rant, hereafter referred to as the rantee, is often least deserving
of the rant - they just happen to be the silly bugger who made some casual
remark or gesture that hit the 'rant' button.
* Christians are more likely
to rant because they are often too polite to say the bleeding obvious for
months on end, then it all explodes at once.
* Rants are usually caused
by the ranter feeling powerless, unheard or unappreciated.
* If rants are becoming
quite regular, it might be wise for the rantee to remember that perhaps the
ranter needs a break, needs to be listened to more, or needs empowering to
speak when something should be said.
* It is wise not to
underestimate the possible pain behind a rant and prayerfully consider how to
help without pressing that rant button yet again.
* Rants often occur at 'that
time of the month'.
* Rants tend to contain a
lot of truth, however badly presented.
It is wise to listen to all that is said and wise to take it straight to
the cross afterwards, and ask God to show what needs sifting through and what
needs to just be left there, with Him.
* The contents of a rant
often surprises the ranter as much as the rantee. It is best to give the ranter time to
process what has come out of their mouths in a 'safe' place, directing them
finally and always to God.
* Rants also tend to contain
a lot of information that the rantee might not really consider important or
interesting. It is wise to show
genuine interest and concern, so as to prevent another rant, and possibly a
more vehement one.
* Rants tend to be
exhausting for both the ranter and rantee, so it's best to give each other some
space afterwards to recuperate.
* If you find yourself
ranting a lot, then perhaps it's time to ask God to snip the wires to some of
the rant buttons in your life (warning:
this could be a painful experience)
* The rantee can take some
comfort in knowing that the ranter doesn't feel the need to be overly polite in
their presence - in fact, being a rantee is best seen as a great privilege,
rather than a painful experience.
* David, of the Psalms
variety, ranted - a lot!! But, he
always started and finished his rant by reminding himself and his rantees that
God is good and God is strong and God is in control.
* It could be said that
Jesus ranted - clearing out the temple, dealing with Pharisees. So, it could also be said there is such a
thing as a righteous rant. Okay, so
only Jesus was truly capable of that, but we could aspire to more righteous
rants - no, not more rants, but containing the rants to those situations that
truly justify them.
* A Christian in rant mode
should refrain from name-calling, derogatory remarks and foul language and the
words 'never' and 'always' are best avoided so as to minimise schrapnel damage.
* For both the ranter and
rantee - apply self-control and grace liberally - before, during and after the
rant.
* And lastly, God is the
best one to 'let it rip' with - He can handle it. Then, a mini rant with a trusted rantee is
always helpful for thinking out loud and moving to a healthier headspace, aka
attitude.
A fool gives full
vent to his anger, but a wise man holds it in check. Prov 29:11
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