Remnants of Hurricane Isaias continue to lumber northward along the US Eastern Seaboard. Impacts in the Carolinas include flash flooding, power outages and sporadic tornado warnings. In our neighborhood, long-overdue rainfall boosts river courses, lake water levels and heals retreating shorelines.
In the aftermath of the tempest the vault of Heaven unfurls, winds die down and skies brighten. I take time to meander along Jordan Lake’s liquid rim—my shadow as faithful companion. Serenity reigns supreme. Yet, with soul draped in velvet my sanctuary feels invaded by a sacred rage—righteous indignation about current events in human affairs.
As I ponder these thoughts and feelings, I soon realize that righteous indignation is a complex emotional state woven into my soul’s fabric; that, anger is morally justified, when triggered, among other things, by perceived injustice, moral wrongs, cruelty or abuse of power. It’s not rooted in ordinary anger that arises from personal slights, bruised egos or life’s minor inconveniences. The indignation feels justified, because it’s as honest as the passing hurricane or a fire that demands its fuel. Thus my anger is baptized in justice. Should I question the intensity of this beautifully reasoned ache, this righteous tempest that stirs my blood?
My mind’s uneasy rebellion and confusion soon aligns with what my heart already knows. Unless tempered with grace and self-control, righteous indignation easily slides into destructive pride or personal vengeance—invitations to failure. Said behaviors will lead to communication breakdowns, lack of empathy, group polarization and strained personal relationships. However, when channeled constructively, genuine righteous indignation can champion the vulnerable, correct systemic wrongs or restore justice. Otherwise, righteous indignation just becomes a way to avoid personal uncomfortable shadows like shame, greed, grief, envy, helplessness, self-interest or fear.
I end my sojourn on a positive note—remembering a favorite passage in President Abraham Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address on March 4, 1861 that speaks of healing divisions and animosities among people—touched “by the better angels of our nature."
© Ilija Lukic 2026
Righteous Indignation
Shoreline at Seaforth Peninsula on Jordan Lake, North Carolina
