How IS Fear Related to Anger and Hostility?

Success is a prize for which both men and women strive, as if in search of a valuable treasure. Being blessed with a career, a home, a spouse and children who love and respect each other are the highest mark of success. One issue is encountering others with equal ambitions competing for the same success.

One surprise women experience in ascending the steps to success is the hostility directed toward them, if not directly then subtly, by men who fear they might lose their position to a woman. Another surprise is the hostility directed toward them by other women competitors.

Hostility is not new. It exists in all areas of life simply because fear is impossible to avoid. A solution to hostility is believing you are where God has placed you. 

Remember, everything eventually will be turned over to others, but in the meantime it’s important to be the person God created you to be.  

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The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.

~Deuteronomy 31:8 New International Version

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How Do Individuals Cope with Current Gender Delineation?

In the history of literature, there are an abundance of fantasies about men rescuing women. Boys have come of age believing their role is to save women, however a particular situation is defined. Today, however, most men and women will encounter situations where help is appreciated.

The majority of women who are in the workplace or at home today do not need or want be rescued. Women want to be appreciated and respected for their intellect, skills, and hard work. Yet in the current workplace men and women often face tremendous stress relating to each other as equals.

Gender delineations were once clearly distinguishable but are now slightly blurred. So where does God fit in with people who must adapt to change? It's imperative to keep in mind that God loves his world and will not permit it to evolve into chaos. God never forgets his plans for you, and his plans are always good and above evil. 

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For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

~Isaiah 55:8-9 New International Version

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What Is Needed to Establish Feelings of Security?

What makes men and women feel secure will differ, depending on their age and circumstances, their personality and temperament, as well as what has been learned from childhood onward. The opposite of feeling secure is feeling vulnerable and unprotected, which tends to create anxiety.

Feelings of insecurity can be conquered by not allowing fear to dominate your life. So face the reality of your situation rather than permit your imagination to create ways to avoid taking positive action. Fear must  be subdued, or else it will take control of your thoughts and behavior.

When God told Abraham to move to where he would show him, he encountered obstacles and uncertainty that threatened his commitment to God. After it happened he acknowledged his failure and returned to God’s guidance and the faith God provided. Whatever you’re facing at this moment, believe God will empower you to stay within his boundaries and plans for you. 

                 

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[Jesus said,] “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

~John 10:28-30 New International Version

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What Comfort Does Faith Provide in Uncertain Times?

Whenever the issue of discovering one’s place in life surfaces, it’s directly related to finding happiness and contentment. While a career brings notable fulfillment for both men and women, there remains a deep-seated longing to share one’s life with a spouse and children.

This need is for authentic relationships with a spouse and children, and also with the extended family and friends, which should not be ignored. Loneliness or even despair gravitates into the emptiness of life. Another important need is for spiritual fulfillment that can  be satisfied only in relationship with Jesus Christ.

God was not willing for Abraham to stay in one place. Abraham faced great uncertainties at times, so God gave him this promise: “Don’t be afraid, for I am your shield; I am your great reward.” 

Having Jesus Christ to love and trust as you go forward brings confidence, hope, and certainty.          

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For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written, “The righteous will live by faith.”  

~Romans I:17 New International Version

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How Does Being Faithful to God Insure His Blessings?

Is it more difficult today for men to find their place in life than at any other time in history? My father was born in 1907 to a farming family. He saw only one option for himself as a young man, and that was to farm the land where he grew up. He later worked as a craftsman in an aircraft factory.

With so many options available today, it would appear that finding a career could be done with ease. Two generations ago if a man was fortunate enough to find a good job, it meant security until retirement. With mega-mergers and outsourcing, job security diminished for both men and women.

When Abraham was 75 years old, God told him to move to a new place. He, his wife, and nephew went in search of God’s promise. Hebrews 11 tells us Abraham believed God would keep his promise, and it was counted to him for righteousness.

Being faithful to God insures his blessings.  

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Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise.

~Hebrews 10:23 Good News Bible

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How Does Integrity Determine Success?

Integrity is a critical component of character that each person should guard like protecting a valuable treasure. As women gain relevant roles in business, politics, and education, integrity often determines the success of this transition. Dignity is another character trait that highlights self-respect and self-worth.

Dignity and integrity are positive attributes where men and women respect the intelligence, expertise, and hard work of each other. It is possible to get beyond the gender issue where there is the capacity to accept that both men and women are created by God but with special differences.

Self-respect hinges on being responsible for what God has entrusted to you, and this is where integrity and dignity play crucial roles. If another person’s gain is perceived as your personal loss, then anger and sadness will surface to create grief. 

Rather than longing for what has been lost, rejoice in what God has given you.                           

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The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.

~Proverbs 11:3 Revised Standard Version

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Can Grief Be Acknowledged in an Ever-changing World?

 As women discover equal opportunity, men consequentially are forced to adjust their expectations at work and in the home by relinquishing a measure of control and dominance. Men must permit themselves to grieve in ways that promote healing and acceptance.

There isn’t an exact prescription for men or women to follow when grieving, for it varies according to personality and what has been learned about expressing personal feelings. Over time minor losses accumulate to become major emotional issues equated to divorce or the death of a loved one.

Major and minor changes occur that affect one’s identity and status, resulting in anger and fear, which are features of grief. Longing for what is been lost is also an attribute of grief. Psalm 143:6 cries out to God: “My spirit faints with longing.” The plea is for God to provide hope and security in an ever-changing world.                      

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When I walk into the thick of trouble, keep me alive in the angry turmoil. With one hand strike my foes, with your other hand save me. Finish what you started in me, God. Your love is eternal – don’t quit on me now.

~Psalm 138:7-8 The Message

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