Venting. It's a hot topic.
Women are like volcanoes. The pressure of things deep inside becomes too much at times and we erupt. For some of us it all begins with a slow rumble, warning signs to our family. They know it's time to evacuate. Unfortunately, for some husbands and families, the explosion is sudden and there is nowhere to hide. Maybe this analogy is too strong for you. You prefer to sing the song, "I'm a little teapot,short and stout..when I get all steamed up, hear me shout. Just tip me over, and pour me out." Your husband is like, "whatever!"
There is a new expression in our culture. It's called "venting". It has to do with that steam thing, not letting the pressure build up to the point of explosion. Stuffers are people who stuff their pain, anger, and disappointment inside instead of dealing with it. We aren't pressure cookers, so we can only stuff for so long. True, without a vent to allow the steam to escape, disaster is around the corner, but venting can be dangerous too.
I have learned that as a Christ follower, I can only "vent" with friends who will point me back to Jesus. Some women will fuel my already smoldering fire. If I am frustrated with my husband, the last thing I need is for my girlfriends to say, "yeah, that jerk! You need to let him have it! You don't deserve to be treated that way!" I need to hear the truth in love, someone to lead me to forgiveness and prayer, to remind me that I can't change my husband with my anger.
Very godly women taught me by example to never disrespect my husband to another woman. It has nothing to do with what I think he deserves.It's what God has called me to do. I stopped slamming my husband and calling it "venting". Healthy venting is sharing your pain with someone who will encourage you to seek God's ways. Taking our frustrations and anger to Jesus brings freedom. It cools the fire inside. Let's take our complaints to God before we explode.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:20-32