In honor of National Humor Month in April, I thought it was only right to discuss my favorite pastime, laughter. Laughter has done more to heal people than medicine. You will see why.
These past few days have been rough for me. Powering through to stay in peace and joy through this pandemic, but it’s starting to weigh on me. I am literally over it with a capital IT.
Tired of the limited activities and tired of the looks/side-eyes. Annoyed with the division it creates and beyond through with the gloves and face masks (even as a health professional). I am TIRED of it all!
But I hear God in my ear telling me not to get weary, not to lose faith, and be patient. I hear you God but I am so tired!
- 1 My Connection To Laughter
- 2 Biblical Connection
- 3
- 4 The Secret
- 5 Bible Verses To Remind You of The Power Of Laughter
- 5.1 As a woman, laughing helps you overcome fear.
- 5.2 There is always a time to laugh. So make time.
- 5.3 Sometime you have to surround yourself with others to truly bring laughter into your life.
- 5.4 Even when we make mistakes, in the midst of God’s correction, and demolishing our own foolishness, we have to laugh at ourselves.
- 5.5 When people may not understand or appreciate our value, God gives us joy despite people’s opinions.
- 5.6
- 5.7 Despite your circumstances, you will get the victory. You will laugh in the end.
- 5.8 God even finds humor in our silliness.
- 5.9 Knowing what God has done for you, should fill your heart with joy and laughter.
- 5.10 Laughter brings safety, peace, and helps you overcome fear and other obstacles. It helps make you brave.
- 5.11 Even though you’re using laughter to ease the stress, discomfort and burdens, you still need address the issue.
- 5.12
- 5.13 All in all,
- 5.14 Ways to bring laughter into your life
- 6 Chyna Nicole
- 7 Related
My Connection To Laughter
During this time, I’ve noticed that I am becoming more touchy and less playful. Things that I used to just laugh at have been getting on my last nerves lately.
Being a person who is always laughing and playful in nature, these mood changes are very alarming to me. You ask anyone who knows me, I am always identified by my unique, yet contagious laugh. (Thanks Dad!)
Laughter has always been a part of me. It has always been apart of my family, and in my memories. With 3 brothers, there were always opportunities to “play the dozen” or “crack a mama joke”.
Laughing has always been my thing for when I was sad, when I was nervous, and even when I knew I was in trouble with my mom. Laughter eased my pain, laughter gave me comfort, and humor helped me move forward with cheer and clarity.
Usually when I need a good laugh, I turn on a funny video from KevOnStage … no judgement. LOL
Biblical Connection
The bible talks quite a bit about laughter. It was used for many different purposes, some for bad and some for good. However, wherever humor was in the bible, it was surrounded by conflict and overcoming.
Laughter was used as a coping mechanism.
When people needed to cope with sadness and life, laughter was there. My favorite is Sarah on her embarrassment of not completely believing in God for a child. Sarah was embarrassed and used laughter to get through the shame.
Enemies tried to destroy laughter in the bible.
Any villain of the bible hated the site of people enjoying life. So they would do everything in their power to destroy an individual’s or a community’s happiness and cheer by taking away or destroying what was near and dear. Satan does the same with us now.
Laughter was used to harm or embarrass.
Anytime someone decided to step out and do something different, the people would watch and laugh (Job 12:4). Like Noah or Job’s story, people laughed at them for their loyalty and obedience to God. But who had the final laugh in the end?!
Laughter was the weapon of choice.
When putting things and people in their place. Laughing at the idea of someone or something they were bigger and more superior to what God had planned. Laugh was used against the enemy to show that there was no fear or fright.
The Secret
I will be honest, I have been naive to the therapeutic benefits of a good laugh. I hear these quotes all the time:
Laughter is the best medicine.
Laughter is good for the soul.
And they both are right. Recently had a good laugh? You ever notice how your body feels after a good laugh. I experience all these signs:
- Belly soreness
- Cheek soreness
- Watery eyes
- Face redness
- Joy
- Peace
Just imagine all the health benefits. Laughter helps with:
- Relaxing the whole body
- Boost the immune system
- Protects the heart
- Burns calories
- Relieves anxiety and depression
- Decreases pain
- Longer life span
- Improve digestion
But most importantly, it reminded me of who I was and to appreciate the way God made me.
Bible Verses To Remind You of The Power Of Laughter
Listed below are bible verses focused on reminding you of how humor is so important in life especially as a (single) mom:
As a woman, laughing helps you overcome fear.
‘She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.’ Proverbs 31:25
There is always a time to laugh. So make time.
‘A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; ‘ Ecclesiastes 3:4
Sometime you have to surround yourself with others to truly bring laughter into your life.
‘A party gives laughter, wine gives happiness, and money gives everything!’ Ecclesiastes 10:19
Even when we make mistakes, in the midst of God’s correction, and demolishing our own foolishness, we have to laugh at ourselves.
‘And Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me. ‘ Genesis 21:6
When people may not understand or appreciate our value, God gives us joy despite people’s opinions.
‘He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.’ Job 8:21
Despite your circumstances, you will get the victory. You will laugh in the end.
‘God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh.’ Luke 6:21
God even finds humor in our silliness.
‘When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.’ Psalms 73:20
Knowing what God has done for you, should fill your heart with joy and laughter.
‘We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”’ Psalms 126:2
Laughter brings safety, peace, and helps you overcome fear and other obstacles. It helps make you brave.
‘You will laugh at destruction and famine; wild animals will not terrify you.’ Job 5:22
Even though you’re using laughter to ease the stress, discomfort and burdens, you still need address the issue.
Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. Proverbs 14:13
all verses NLT from bible.com
All in all,
Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand. — Mark Twain
I am so happy that God has bestowed me with the gift of a playful personality and a contagious laugh that brings joy to anyone around me.
In my times of joy and in my times of weeping, I remembered laughter. When I was with my family and when I was alone, I remembered how humor was a part of my lasting memories.
Ways to bring laughter into your life
Some things I made sure of was:
- Intentionally scheduling time in my day to laugh.
- Watching at least one funny video a day
- Finding a way to be silly in order to make someone else laugh daily.
- Surrounding myself with people who enjoy humor and will reciprocate.
And just like that, my perspective began to change for the better.
Need support in the laughter department? Here are other blog post to support your journey:
- Are You An Amazing Proverbs 31 Single Mom?
- 10 Funny Truths About Being A Single Parent
- How To Have An Amazing Social Life As A Single Mom With These 5 Strategies
- 5 Secrets To Better Social Health : Healthy Single Moms
You can also join the Women Seeking Confidence Facebook group for a community of women headed in the same direction as you in regards to growing in confidence:
