Laughter and Faith

Yesterday we reflected on laughter and faith. We continue that theme today.

When we think about laughter, we often associate it with jokes and comedy. But studies have shown that most often we laugh in conversations with other people—especially with family and friends, people we know. We do this socially as a way to connect—to bond, to show “I’m with you, I understand you.”

Laughter makes us feel better together. It lowers stress. And it can certainly diffuse tension.

I once heard about the great boxer Muhammad Ali. Just before takeoff on an airline flight, the attendant reminded Ali to fasten his seatbelt. “Superman don’t need no seatbelt,” he replied. The attendant replied, “Superman don’t need no airplane either.” Ali fastened his belt.

A little humor goes a long way!

Studies also show that bouts of laughter can boost the immune system, relax muscles, aid circulation, and protect against heart disease. Laughter can also lower anxiety, improve mood, foster resilience, and help us through stressful times.

It’s kind of like a reset button for your soul.

Ethel Barrymore said: “You know you’ve grown up when you get your first good laugh… at yourself.”

In the book of Genesis, Sarah laughed. And it may well have been a cynical laugh, at least at first. But in chapter 21, the story ends with her final word of witness. She names her son Isaac, meaning “Laughter.” And she says, “God has brought me joy and laughter. Everyone who hears about it will laugh with me.”

Let us pray again today as we did yesterday: Gracious God, we pray again that you would open our hearts to the joy that you promised. And we ask that even in the darkest times we might laugh with people of faith across the ages: the laughter of eternity, the laughter of disbelief turned to faith, the laughter of death overcome by resurrection and new life. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.