How I Pray Instead Of Reacting

Hello lovies,

A dear friend recently asked me to write about using her ninja skills to not throat punch people—LOL. It made me laugh, but it also hit home. Because today? Today is one of those days where throat punching sounds like a perfectly reasonable option.
I kid! (But… do I? 😉)

When I feel overwhelmed—mentally, emotionally, even physically—it’s harder to carry the weight of other people’s moods. I find myself shorter than usual, a bit more snappy, a little less patient. And you know what? We’re human. It happens. There’s no shame in that. The first step is admitting you have a problem, right?

So, here it is:
This week, I’m admitting I might have a bit of a problem.

I’ve had to interact with people who, honestly, seem to wake up looking for someone to unload on. Like it’s their job to stew and spew. And while I’m far from perfect, I’m grateful that’s not how I live.

But how do I actually handle it?

Well… it depends on the day.

Some days, I smile politely while they hit me with their ugly words or heavy energy.
Other days, I tell them to take a walk and come back when they’re ready to be kind.
And more often than not, I slip away, find a quiet place—and cry.

No throat punching. (Even if I fantasize about it now and then.)

Instead, I try to put myself in their shoes. I ask:
What could’ve happened to them to make them so quick to hurt others?
Because, most of the time, that kind of behavior doesn’t come from a place of peace. It comes from deep sadness, pain, and loneliness.

And when I remember that, something shifts.

I want to hug them.
I want to pray for them.
I want to ask them what they really need.

Because it must be exhausting to live angry. It must feel so isolating.

Now don’t get me wrong—sometimes I do think about flipping a table or launching into a dramatic monologue. But violence isn’t in my nature. (I can’t even handle a suspenseful TV scene—just ask my husband.)

So instead, I cry.
And I pray.

I pray for their healing.
I pray they realize hurting others won’t ease their pain.
I pray they discover how much softer—and sweeter—life can be when you choose grace.

Naïve? Maybe.
But I’m not out here trying to hurt people to feel better.
If that makes me soft, I’m okay with soft.

Thanks for holding this space with me today.
If you’ve ever felt like you were one rude comment away from losing it—you’re not alone.

🖤
Until next time, With love, Grace and less throat punching 😉
-J