To be torqued or not to be torqued, this is the question...

Just recently one of my friends asked me a question that challenged me: "Have you ever been so torqued that you acted out in revenge?"

The question was not novel; I have been asked this before, but never have I heard the word, "torqued" used in this way.

I understood in context, but the word struck me as highly intriguing.  As soon as I was able, I looked up its meaning.

torque

  [tawrk]  Show IPA

noun

1.

Mechanics . something that produces or tends to produce torsionor rotation; the moment of a force or system of forces tending to cause rotation.

2.

Machinery . the measured ability of a rotating element, as of agear or shaft, to overcome turning resistance.

3.

Optics. the rotational effect on plane-polarized light passing through certain liquids or crystals.

4.

Also, torc. a collar, necklace, or similar ornament consisting of a twisted narrow band, usually of precious metal, worn especially by the ancient Gauls and Britons.

verb (used with object), torqued, torqu·ing.

5.

Machinery . to apply torque to (a nut, bolt, etc.).

6.

to cause to rotate or twist.

verb (used without object), torqued, torqu·ing.

7. to rotate or twist.

Origin: 
1825–35;  < Latin torquēre  to twist; (def 4)  < French torque  < Latintorques torques ( torc  perhaps < Irish  ≪ L)

I think that this word is phenomenal especially in the way my friend used it, because there is a impetus innate in it that is not in "pissed", "angry", or in similar words. It more appropriately explains what is happening.

The emphasis in torque is on the undergoing of the soul in the moment of relationship. In other words, there is a turning or twisting in me in a single instant; I am touched in such a way as to be taken from rest into (e)motion. To be "torqued" is to have had enough "external force" applied to me to pivot me around my base (fulcrum) of stability, my comfort zone, to change my frame of perception or even ability "to act".

(Do I fly into emotion with the lightest touch?  How much resistance do I have to the actions, judgments, etc., of others? Can people get into my head and mess up my game, simply by a look or a comment?)

The way that this was used was initially to imply a negative emotion, but I think that I can also be brought from rest into positive emotion-- and the word torque is likewise, equally effective.

(What touches me now that will cause me to turn in a positive rotation? What is my moment of force? Or do I have such a hardness of heart that nothing will pierce me and impel me to act?)

Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium - 1.3

(*Nota Bene: emphasis mine.)

I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since “no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord”.1 

The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms. Now is the time to say to Jesus: “Lord, I have let myself be deceived; in a thousand ways I have shunned your love, yet here I am once more, to renew my covenant with you. I need you. Save me once again, Lord, take me once more into your redeeming embrace”. 

How good it feels to come back to him whenever we are lost! Let me say this once more: God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy. Christ, who told us to forgive one another “seventy times seven” (Mt 18:22) has given us his example: he has forgiven us seventy times seven. Time and time again he bears us on his shoulders.

 No one can strip us of the dignity bestowed upon us by this boundless and unfailing love. With a tenderness which never disappoints, but is always capable of restoring our joy, he makes it possible for us to lift up our heads and to start anew. Let us not flee from the resurrection of Jesus, let us never give up, come what will. May nothing inspire more than his life, which impels us onwards!

1 Paul VI, Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete in Domino (9 May 1975), 22: AAS 67 (1975), 297.5 

~~~~~~

Joy is a byproduct of love; this fact is common to our experience, yet made explicit by St. Thomas Aquinas:

Now it is evident from what we have said about the passions (FS, Q[25], AA[2],4) that love is the first affection of the appetitive power, and that desire and joy follow from it. Hence the same virtuous habit inclines us to love and desire the beloved good, and to rejoice in it. But in as much as love is the first of these acts, that virtue takes its name, not from joy, nor from desire, but from love, and is called charity. Hence joy is not a virtue distinct from charity, but an act, or effect, of charity: for which reason it is numbered among the Fruits (Gal. 5:22).

If we love God, we will desire Him and our joy will be from Him. So. . . let us, AT THIS MOMENT make an act of love to our Beloved. 

God is waiting. . .