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Fight or Flight
Adrenalin is a funny thing, affecting us both positively and negatively, depending on the situation. I am always intrigued and challenged by the opportunity to grow spiritually in direct relation to the emotional fight or flight response that I experience.
We are often put into situations in our everyday lives where we must make a choice to fight the battle or flee. This phenomenon known as the “fight or flight response” explains how a person could exhibit extraordinary strengths or endurance to protect someone. Stories such as family members lifting vehicles off of someone or living in a collapsed mine flood the news when they occur.
This response can also be applied to our relationships. It’s not uncommon—especially with the incredibly high divorce rates—for people to take the “flight” instead of “fight” option. Either one of these responses could be physically beneficial but when it comes to the the spiritual and emotional realm, I encourage you to fight.
I want to introduce this concept so it can be related to our daily lives and our relationships with the friends, family and spouses who add value to our lives. Christian relationships should be seen and respected as a valuable asset. These relationships are worth more then gold and require long term investments.
When trouble strikes our natural human tendency and response to pain is to physically pull away. For instance, when we touch a hot object our brain automatically fires off the “flight” response and provokes an immediate reaction to pull back. All of the relational emotions such as anxiety, fear and pain provoke us to the same reaction.
We are conditioned to think that pain will continue to intensify if we don’t flee or get away. Of course when we sense physical danger we do have to get away for our own security and safety, but with emotional danger we may need to see it through, and fight against the flight instinct. It’s not always the path of least resistance that will make us stronger, or be the most beneficial for us. When crisis hits our close personal relationships, it’s important to know what is worth fighting for.
Choosing a legacy of building lasting relationships can exhibit great virtues of Christian living to others. Friendships and marriages thrive and grow stronger with each event that requires us to fight for a resolution to the problem. A positive outcome is the product of diligence and faithfulness toward reconciliation. The ultimate goal should not be that we make ourselves understood, but to seek first to understand others.
I believe that God will extend grace each time we have the courage to fight for valuable relationships. We are encouraged by successful outcomes. The strength and maturity that only God can provide will flourish and make us more successful each time. If the going gets tough, the tough stick around and let God’s love flow through them.
Copyright © 2008-2015 Sherry Norquist
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