Every morning I receive an email from CNN with the "5 Things" that day that the folks at CNN believe all of us should know. Buried in Tuesday morning's briefing, down in the Breakfast Browse section, was a report on stress, anger, and sadness.
The report stated: The pandemic year that will go down in history for setting records for stress, worry, anger, and sadness among both men and women worldwide, according to a new planetary survey of emotions in 2020. Stress levels rose the most, with a "record-high 40% of adults worldwide" saying they experienced stress "a lot of the previous day," according to Gallup's 2021 Global Emotions Index. That was the highest level in the 15 years, the report said.
I suspect none of us are surprised at these statistics, considering last year's pandemic, the economic challenges we face, conflicts around the world, and even the weather. While it is perhaps interesting to know these facts, the questions remain. "What do I do about these feelings?" "How do I cope with all the factors in my life that challenge and upset me?"
In the Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis de Sales acknowledges that not only does anxiety exist in our lives, but also, it is a significant issue. In Part 4, Chapter 11, Francis states that "Other than sin, uneasiness (anxiety) is the greatest evil that can befall the soul."
Francis points out that anxiety weakens our spirit and our ability to maintain the virtues we have sought. It blinds us to the good in our lives and what is of greater importance, Francis proposes several remedies. He encourages us to rest in the Lord, knowing that God's grace can be our strength in these times. Do not frantically or quickly seek resolutions to your concerns. “My soul is continually in my hands, O Lord, and I have not forgotten your law." Ps. 118, 109.
Francis also encourages us to share our struggle with a trusted, faithful friend, or a spiritual director. Sharing our stress, our struggles, according to Francis, will help us find relief. He says, "It is the remedy of remedies."
Perhaps the greatest darkness causing all the stress, anger, and sadness worldwide is the fact that the pandemic has isolated us and prevented us from sharing our thoughts, feelings, pain, joys, and more with others. It makes me think that the grace offered in parishes emerging from the pandemic may be a perfect solution to these ills, another reason to rejoice in the renewal and gift of parish life.
