How to Manage Emotional Responses to Community Accidents and Foster Preventive Measures

Imagine strolling along when suddenly - “squish” - you step in a pile of dog poop.

Do you find yourself thinking: “I can’t believe I just stepped in that! What if people at the grocery store can smell it?” How do you feel? Anxious? Upset? Irritated?

Both the New Testament and the Old Testament cover a range of subjects, including the uncomfortable topic of human body waste. It is portrayed both literally and metaphorically as something impure and, by extension, offensive. Although its occurrence is expected, it is meant to be handled discreetly to prevent it from affecting others in the community. 

In the Old Testament, a guideline for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene for a community living as nomads in the desert was: “And you must have a digging tool among your equipment so that when you relieve yourself, you can dig a hole and cover your excrement.” - Deuteronomy 23:13. This rule was intended to promote purity and hygienic living conditions within the community. Like other regulations, it also carried hidden spiritual significance. 

Throughout the Bible, human excrement symbolizes filth or the bodily waste that is naturally seen as offensive and polluting. Its inherent characteristics make it a powerful biblical symbol of impurity and shame, which is why it must be managed to prevent contamination of communal life.

While most cultures manage human waste hygienically, every culture still has certain offensive words, actions, and behaviors that disrupt an environment of mutual respect, harmony, and peace. Nevertheless, the way one responds to such disruptions can significantly influence the situation, creating a ripple effect.

Today, I would like to encourage you to reflect on possible recent "Shit happens moments". Has anyone acted offensively, potentially causing you harm? Has someone's negligence resulted in disgraceful behavior that irritated you and others?

While reviewing recent unfortunate accidents and various offenses that have caused damage in your community, thoughtfully consider if there is anything you can do to prevent further harm to yourself or those around you. If there's nothing practical you can do, reflect on your emotional responses and how you can manage your thoughts and feelings regarding these incidents, showing empathy for the person who caused harm. Additionally, you can offer prayers for the individual responsible for these uncomfortable and offensive incidents.

“I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ” - Philippians 3:8 CSB