Be calm in the mist of the storm

Just last night I was pondering of an issue I had with a partner of mine 6 years ago when he became very angry with me during a conference call when I had my construction business . Rather than yelling back, I forced myself to lower my voice and calmly and quietly answer his argument. He instantly lowered his volume, changed his tone of voice, and listened to me.

That day I could of lost my temper, but as soon as I realize what was happening, I hear an echoing in my ear (A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. (Proverbs 15:1).

I then decided: Do I continue to use harsh words and escalate the anger, or choose calming words, a soft tone of voice, and more gentle gestures? Nearly every time I've turned to softness, anger has been dispelled. When I'm the one who is angry, I'm almost instantly calmed. When someone is angry at me, it may take a minute or so to calm them down, but rarely longer.

With 2 young boys at home, at least one argument erupts every day. When I speak softly, there's usually instant de-escalation. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't produce an immediate result. Sometimes a person is so enraged that you must respond gently for several minutes before he begins to calm down.

"I encourage you to be calm in the mist of the storm.....I'm Praying for you"