Loving the “Hot Reactor” - LPNI

Every congregation usually has that one “hot reactor” who angers easily, overreacts to a stressful problem, and is a major thorn in the flesh of the parish nurse. Not only does his/her blood pressure surge, but so does the blood pressure of the parish nurse while trying to remain calm!

Each adrenaline surge raises blood pressure to dangerous levels, causing a sandpaper effect on the endothelium of the arteries. The stress increases glucose which scratches the arterial walls as it moves through them. Inflammation occurs to heal the damaged areas which become red and swollen from white blood cell aggregation. LDL (bad) cholesterol traveling through the blood becomes lodged within the damaged areas. Subclinical atherosclerosis begins to develop as a byproduct of the inflammation. Eventually the damaged areas become vulnerable to a tear or rupture. Platelets move in to stop the bleeding and block the artery, resulting in a myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident. A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps

himself under control. Proverbs 29:1 (ESV)

Mr/Ms “Hot Reactor” is often obese, hypertensive, a type 2 diabetic with a history of multiple vascular events. He/she is generally highly knowledgeable about the Bible, worships regularly and is active in church ministries. So why is he/she so angry? A few years ago, I experienced a situation which might illustrate the point. I was approached by a profoundly handicapped older woman who asked if we could increase the size of the main bathroom door to accommodate her motorized wheelchair. I asked Mr. “Hot Reactor”, the head trustee, if there was anything that we could do. He blew up at me and replied, “It’s too expensive! They can go around the corner to use the single bathroom!”

Wow, I wasn’t expecting his anger. Interestingly, he was right, and I totally agreed with him. I just couldn’t understand the inappropriate angry outburst. He sent a nasty email to the church council about what a stupid idea it was, etc. Be sober-minded; be watchful, your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV). I have to admit, I felt a bit like “hot” reacting myself, but the Lord gave me wisdom and calm. Emails back and forth would only have made the situation worse and caused division among our ranks. I apologized for any concern I may have caused, explained that I was just wanting to help, and thankfully avoided a major problem.

How do we maintain a God-pleasing response? It helps to realize that “hot reactors” probably had troubled childhoods and simply never learned positive coping skills. Parish Nurse Cheryl Hoviland provided a lovely image: “When you pray for someone, they become your friend.” Praying for the person is healing.

In my first book, Wake Up Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce Your Risk for a Heart Attack and Stroke, I shared a true story about an angry young father, 45 years old, who died from a massive heart attack during an angry encounter with a Little League umpire. I ended the chapter with this statement: “When you feel anger and hostility kicking in and your adrenalin surging, don’t count to 10. Count to 1,000”! Good advice for us all is the verse, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 (ESV)

Jennie Johnson RN-BC, PhD

Parish Nurse, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Rathdrum, Idaho USA

Email: jenniejohnsonrn.com and Website: jenniejohnsonrn.com