When It All Goes Boom

My ADHD causes my mind to run nonstop. It’s like one of those Superballs kids used to bounce—one good hit and it shoots off in a completely unexpected direction. That constant motion often leads to frustration and aggravation, and more than once it ended in angry outbursts.

Years ago, I didn’t understand why I had such a short fuse. My emotions would take over, and before I knew it—boom—I’d be in the middle of a full-blown meltdown. Then I’d be left sitting in the aftermath, wondering how it got there so fast. One day, after yet another explosion, I finally said, I can’t do this anymore. I can’t live like this. Something had to change.

Not long after, during my time reading the Bible, I came across James 1:19:

“Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

That verse stopped me in my tracks.

I printed it. I wrote it down. I recited it. It became my mantra. And little by little, I started noticing when irritation was creeping in. I learned to step away before frustration turned into anger.

Later, when we discovered my ADHD, a lot of things finally made sense—especially the emotional dysregulation that came with the constant chaos in my mind. I began practicing what that verse was teaching me: speaking less, listening more, and giving myself time to think before reacting. That pause helped me see other perspectives, and more often than not, it softened my anger.

As I continued studying the Bible, I was reminded of something Paul writes in Ephesians 6:12:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world…”

That verse shifted my perspective. It helped me realize that most of the time, I’m not actually fighting people. I’m fighting frustration, misunderstanding, fear, and things happening beneath the surface—things neither of us may fully understand.

That truth required patience. It reminded me that the person in front of me might be battling something I can’t see or name. And remembering that softened my anger even more. When I stopped seeing people as the enemy, it became easier to respond with grace instead of irritation.

I can’t say I never have an angry moment anymore. But they’re far rarer than they used to be. And when they happen, they don’t own me the way they once did.

That’s grace at work—slowly, patiently, and faithfully.

Love Y'all

Jennifer