Feelings are not Facts

Feelings are not Facts

Feelings are not facts.  I recognize this very obvious statement.  Occasionally, we confuse the two.  We allow our feelings to determine our actions.  Instead, we gain personally by deflating the intensity of our emotions.  Then, we are able calmly, coolly and collectively examine the facts.

In most instances, it is best to sit on extreme emotions.  “Anger turns off the light in the mind.”  Inevitably when act when angry, we say and do things we ultimately regret.  The passions of anger burn brightly and they are all consuming.  Just like raging forest fires, the flames of unchecked feelings equally destroy anyone or anything is its path.  “Restraint of pen and tongue” is a most reliable method of resolving hurtful feelings.

We hasten toward error and possibly irreparable damage in our relationships when we elevate our feelings to the level of facts.  Clarity about our feelings and resolution within our hearts still does not make them facts.  Without a careful examination of facts, our feelings lack a balanced perspective and motivate us to act with disregard for all of the factors in any given situation.

A perusal of the facts produces the evidence we need to support our actions in resolving any problem.  If we are the victims of a betrayal, before retaliating, we evaluate all of the facts.  Otherwise, we may attempt to slay a gnat with a sledgehammer.  Intense feelings unavoidably lead to disproportionate actions.  A painstaking investigation of facts leads to balanced judgment and reasonable responses.

Feelings cannot change facts.  You recall the old “Dragnet” series in which Sergeant Joe Friday cautions all interviewees to give him “just the facts.”  He was not interested in their feelings or interpretation of the facts.  Whereas feelings might misconstrue facts, they cannot fundamentally alter facts or change outcomes. 

Relying, excessively upon feelings, leads to uniformed perceptions.  Perceptions become realities for the people who hold them.  It is very difficult when people refuse to alter their perceptions in light of evidence to the contrary.  They erroneously and persistently depend upon their feelings rather than grapple with the facts.  Unfortunately, many people retain prejudices of other people and cultures because they unwaveringly adhere to their perceptions.  Their feelings justify stereotypes.  Dangerously, some of these people obtain positions of power.  They establish policy and make decisions affecting the lives of many people based upon their feelings.

Willingness to grapple with the complexity of the facts is a practical definition of knowledge.  In wrestling with facts, we guard against an undue influence of emotions.  We strive for a balance that appreciates strengths and weaknesses in any set of circumstances. 

The late Howard Thurman, the premiere Black Baptist mystic theologian of the twentieth century, entitled his autobiography, With Head and Heart.  Thurman reasons the journey of faith is a competing struggle of fiery emotional worship of the divine and a passionate intellectual quest to understand Him.  His faith journey offers a reliable approach to daily life.  The fires of uncontrollable feelings destroy necessary facts.  A cold analytical outlook freezes the passion of life.  Yet, a dynamic combination culminates into rewarding faith that uncritically accepts the goodness of God while striving to understand His mysterious ways.