Rejecting the Rage Machine

When things seem to spiral out of control, where do you turn? Do you spend hours in front of the television, watching the news and letting your rage boil over? Do you drown your worry in a bucket of ice cream?

A caller to The Patrick Madrid Show shared how he has been dealing with his anger and frustration over politics and recent events. Tim admitted that he really loves politics and has spent a lot of time watching media coverage and analysis of politics in the United States.

After he “invested a lot of emotion and time” into politics, he said, “I had so much anger, I just decided I can’t deal with this.”

Tim made a life-changing decision to stop spending so much time and energy on politics and rather invest that time into his relationship with God.

“I turned it off and I just said I’m going to concentrate on seeking the Lord. I’m going to start reading the Bible, I’m going to start praying more,” he explained. “I pray a Rosary before I go to bed every night and that calms me down. And in the morning I do the Liturgy of the Hours. I’ve been going to Marian shrines on Sunday for Mass.”

“This is all good,” encouraged Patrick.

“That’s the way I’ve been dealing with it,” said Tim. “I just didn’t want that anger within me because it was affecting everything I did.”

The problem with rage

Constantly watching the news and devouring politics, social media, and current events can drive anyone mad.

“If you consume a steady diet of rage and discombobulation then you will be rage-filled and discombobulated. You are what you eat. So my hat is off to you! You did something very wise and frankly, something that a lot of people just don’t have the willpower to do. It’s easier for them to stay plugged into the rage machine on the left or the right,” said Patrick.

If you identify with Tim’s rage, anxiety, and frustration, perhaps take a page out of his book. Rather than seeking peace and fulfillment in the things of this world, turn to the things of heaven. Turn away from the media that drags you down and ruins your day—instead, tune in to media that uplifts and inspires you!


Tune in to The Patrick Madrid Show weekdays at 8-11am CT only on Relevant Radio®.

Lindsey is a wife, mother, and contributing author at Relevant Radio. She holds a degree in Journalism and Advertising from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Lindsey enjoys writing, baking, and liturgical living with her young family.