The Faces of Rage

by David Damico

What do you do when you don't get something you need, want, or hope for? Throw a temper tantrum? Withdraw and sulk? Buck and smile politely? Feel guilty that your Christian life is not "victorious"? Engage frantically in an activity that will make you forget? Snarl about what a hopeless messed-up world we live in? These seemingly diverse responses all have the same rage. And rage has many faces. In some of us it's fire-breathing and explosive. In others it appears harmless, docile, or only mildly disruptive. In all of us, it keeps the potent emotions connected with our losses and disappointments at arm's length. And it helps us gain control over our lives so we'll never have to feel vulnerable to loss again. The Faces of Rage looks at why rage is "as ordinary as the common cold," even among Christians. It explores how rage blooms in the deep soil of unresolved loss, rendering its victims unavailable for the best relationships and unable to experience authentic feelings or rich personal growth. And it points the way toward healing by revealing God as the true protector of souls-stronger than our homemade walls of emotional and spiritual resistance and gentle enough to walk us through grief toward resolution and peace.

Genres: Psychology

204 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read in 2014 and remember thinking, “It was great, but I need a counselor to walk me through this.” Now, about nine years later, the timing is perfect.

He describes what you might have lost, and how it may look to be hiding or managing that unresolved loss. Rage looks many different ways besides just explosive anger, and brings us comfort, for a season…but it’s a false promise. Avoidance of grief bears a heavy cost over time. Lord, help us!

[Kara Coe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important and interesting. The basic premise is that any unresolved loss will lead to ‘rage walls’ with which we protect ourselves from feeling grief. This doesn’t always look like anger, but is always ultimately detrimental.

I benefitted greatly from book club discussion. Without that interaction I found some chapters difficult to understand or see any application in my life.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago, during a traumatic time in my life. It changed me profoundly & helped get me through. I tried for years to find copies to share. I see this was reprinted, hopefully I can now find it again!

[Carey Chamberlin]

Life changing!! No, I'm not an angry person.... but cynical, depressed, insecure, etc, etc, etc.... and it all leads back to anger?? What?? :) Good luck with this book!! Loved it, even though it kicks bootay....