It is alarming to note how many persons succumb to ill health, due to the cancer of jealousy and anger. There are individuals who are habitually frustrated, distressed, angry and disturbed about negative situations and experiences. People's health would be greatly enhanced if they ignored these terrible monsters, choosing instead a happy and peaceful life-style.

Unfortunately there are individuals who give vent to their anger, which results in damaged relationships that may smolder for years and affect future generations. Jealousy is a contributor to bitterness and discord in families on job sites, in social clubs and other organizations. Anger and jealousy are engraved in the lives of many, with the potential to cause emotional, mental, and spiritual death. Therefore, it is advisable that we detect the initial entrance of these two evil traits in ourselves before they cause harm.

Jealousy has a historical reputation of causing trouble among individuals and nations. This evil trait is viewed as a devastating, cunning and subtle demon. Without a doubt, it can jeopardize our intellect, cheapen our conduct and contribute to poor health.

Thousands of dollars have been spent on health interventions to cure the damages that jealousy and anger create. People need to understand that their mental state largely determines the quality of their inter-personal relationships and their holistic well-being. If the mind is free and healthy, if there is a fondess for people, and respect for others, then our well being will receive floods of joy and happiness. These conditions will in turn cultivate a toning, zestful and buoyant personality.

One cause of jealousy is the promotion or advancement of others. Upward mobility should be earned based on a set criteria. If individuals are invited to higher positions, no one should be angered. We should never allow our self-evaluation to override truth and honesty. As we become resolute in our personal growthm the ultimate reward should be the improvement of quality service, and not mere status. The unflinching services that are rendered will unreservedly generate the superlatives in personal satisfaction. As the wheel of time turns, what is destined for us will be received. We must wait patiently until our change comes. A famous orator said, "I will study and I will learn, for someday, my turn will come."

Good manners and respect should be free gifts to persons who are on the other side of personality clashes which call people to battle. It is fascinating to see how angry people accept the clarion call for combat. The muscles of the body are immediately fed with extra oxygen and adrenalin that arouses action. Blood pressure sometimes rises; breathing is increased in rate, and an uncontrolled demeanor rushes in like a flood. At this time, we are prone to act out of character. Unethical actions and destructive words dart like arrows that cannot be returned. Therefore, it is imperative that we bring our anger under control, because its path leads only to evil.

Whenever we realize the wounds that our jealousy and anger have inflicted, we should pursue a path of healing. Sometimes radical steps must be taken to recreate harmony and mend broken fences. Festering and malignant bitterness can be made whole through a proven remedy called "forgiveness". Heal the scars with love and understanding as the process of healing is ignited.

Caption: Pansy Brown

Posted Thursday March 27, 2003