For years, I answered 911 calls. When you’re a communications operator you usually take turns during your shift working the phones and the police radio. As much as I enjoy a good vehicle pursuit, I’d much rather work phones. Drama unfolds with each emergency call. I get to be a part of their solutions and I love that.
When we moved to Tennessee, I had to hang up my headset. It’s been difficult giving up a job I loved, working with people I loved. Not to mention the drama. I don’t watch TV police shows. I like my drama to be real.
As a dispatcher, there are nights you’re going 100 mph; handling everything from family disputes, bar fights, there could be stabbings, shootings and vehicle pursuits.
As crazy as it sounds, after a while, the controlled chaos of emergency calls become commonplace. To get the adrenaline pumping it takes a bigger, sadder, scarier emergencies and real life dramas to get a rise out of a dispatcher.
The same can be said about some people. There are some who live in constant drama. You may even know a few. These are the people who’s lives are always stressful, painful and insanely riddled with chaos. Their bank account is always running in the negative, their kids are always out of control, and no matter how many times you try to help them with support or wisdom, they believe they’re the victim once again.
A crazy, overwhelming day is expected every once in a while but shouldn’t be the “norm”.
In time, a person who lives a life of drama and chaos becomes wrapped inside of this identity. Many like the attention; others don’t know how to live any differently. While some truly believe they are a victim of bad luck or a cruel world.
Here are a few things you should know about drama.
- Drama is contagious. If you surround yourself with drama queens don’t be surprised if your world begins to feel the same. There’s no way a chaos-junky can continually interrupt your life without it beginning to affect yours.
- Drama is stressful and stress is addictive. According to addiction specialist John Montgomery, PhD, “Because the adrenaline rush from stress creates an unconscious ‘reward’ in the brain, it can become habit forming.” Those who are used to a life that is high in craziness and light on peaceful moments may just be addicted to living this way.
- Drama does not victimize. As a 911 operator you’d probably think I came across LOTS of victims. The truth is, I didn’t. Most people are in a situation because they put themselves there. Hard to hear? It’s sadly true. For those of us who have the gift of compassion and mercy, you need to be careful. Your heart strings can be the real victim with a Drama Queen.
- Drama does not deserve a medal of honor. Don’t reward a Drama Queen with more of your time – especially at the expense of your family. A disorganized, muddled, topsy-turvy life is one that needs much love and support but continuous disastrous decisions are their life choices and boundaries must be kept.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He’s given abundant fruits of the Spirit – drama isn’t one of them. His peace is what needs to reign. Where drama reigns His peace is afar off. Maybe it’s time you and I had a refresher. Does your day seem out of hand? Is your life a crazy ride you believe you have no control over? If you’re not feeling His peace, grab yourself a cup of tea and go over a few verse below to understand what God’s plan is – I can promise you peace is His goal. And, peace is the kryptonite of a drama-filled chaos reigning life.
John 16:33
Romans 5:1
Romans 8:6
1 Corinthians 14:33
Ephesians 2:17
Philippians 4:9
Colossians 3:15
Drama is self-sabotage at its finest. There is a roll I play to fuel a crazy, overwhelming life. When I fill my to-do list to overflowing it’s only a matter of time before the smallest hiccup in my plans turns my day into a ridiculous mess. If you or someone you know is living a whirling dervish of a life, change needs to start with God. He makes all things new. He is not a God of drama and chaos – He is the Prince of Peace and the One we must go to for it.
God’s truth is this—drama needs to stay on the big screen, not in our life.
I loved this. You phrased it so eloquently too. 🙂
Thanks Dionna! Apparently, you know a few Drama Queens, too?
The stage is always occupied and the lights always on over here. D.R.A.M.A.
I’m over it; ready to take a seat in the balcony, better yet – leave the building! Prayers are appreciated.
Love your words, as always.
peace~elaine
Prayers going your way. I can’t get on my Facebook today, but your message cracked me up. When you mentioned “he who shall not be named”.
“Peace is the kryptonite of a drama-filled chaos reigning life.” A true Joannism. I love that it implies Peace kills Chaos – a drama all its own.
Wow you hit the nail on the head. I have been a police officer for 26 yrs. And the drama is norm for many. Sad that no matter how many solutions you offer none are what works for them.
Oh Sandy, could we sit down and talk. “..no matter how many solutions you offer none are what works for them.” I think YOU’re the one who hit the nail on the head.
You know it, Chris. My writer-voice is as loud as ever.
MMM….I really liked these words today. I think my scripture of the day will be Col. 3:15. I’ve had more than my share of drama over the last 5 years. Some I created, some out of my control. I remember the counselor saying some of these very words you even just said and it has stuck with me so as not to become my own creator of drama just because I am used to it.Drama is exhausting and not how God created us to live. Good words to sit on for today! Thank you!!
Thanks for chiming in Rachael – drama is easy to fall into, especially when us girls are SO emotional, am I right? Goodness. Just sit in a room of junior high girls and it’s incredible!