When Anger is useful

Growing up, I always saw anger as a bad thing.  It hurt seeing my mother go into rage attacks and everything from everywhere go flying.....only for me and my brothers to clean up.  It hurt when my brothers and I were beat for things we didn't always understand.  It hurt when the anger of one man took the life of my 4 year old brother....it nearly killed me.  It hurt when the anger held onto by another brother caused him to run his bike into a pick up, causing his death.  But is there any reason that anger can be helpful?

As I was thinking about all the events in the last week, I try and think about the anger I have towards my mother.  At one time, Anger helped save my life.  I do not recall when it happened, but at one time I got angry, and used that anger to help me become the person I am today.  I did not want to be like her.  I was determined not to let her destroy me.  I am not perfect, but I am at least twice the mother she ever way.

So, sometimes anger can be a good thing.  In my case, it was helpful in my survival.  But now I must learn to lay it down.  Only with the help of the good Lord above is this even possible.  I have held onto the anger far too long, it has become a part of me, so much a part of me I didn't really realize I still held onto it.  A new chapter has started in my life, and I must move on and get rid of the parasite that is a part of me.  The anger hurts no one but myself.