I have heard people speak about the “cultural humor” in some of Jesus’ parables, but I had just never imagined him laughing out loud because something struck him as being funny. Yet, isn't laughter one of the most basic things that makes up our humanity? I believe that Jesus knew how to laugh and did so! I also believe that he fully expects us to do so also.
Why is it that people think once you are “religious” you should go around all serious not smiling or laughing? Yes religion is nothing to be taken lightly but honestly if we are ambassadors of Christ and our faces look like prunes, what sort of advertisement is that? Some folks are downright against humor in religion. For those who think that we are supposed to walk around all somber and clad in sober piety, they have obviously not thought about a Jesus who laughed.
Jesus wanted us to share in his loving and laughing heart. Notice some of what he said about this: “These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have many troubling times; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33. If we look through the scriptures we can see references to laughter. A cheerful heart is a good medicine but a downcast spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22. Laughter is even used as a key part of the description of the worthy woman. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future. Proverbs 31:25.
I always look for clean humor. I really enjoy laughing and it helps keep my spirits up in what can sometimes be a very troubled world. Our sense of humor is part of what defines who we are. It's hard to be likable, warm or accepting if you can't laugh at the world around you as well as yourself. Laughter occurs when people are comfortable with one another, when they feel open and free. And the more laughter there is, the more bonding occurs within the group. I know for me, one of the things I can say about someone I consider to be my friend is that we can laugh together.
We should try to emulate Jesus not just his sober piety, but also in his ability to laugh. What soap is to the body laughter is to the soul. Laughing should be seen as a pious act when done appropriately. When we laugh it feels good, it lightens the atmosphere around us. Laughter is the brush that sweeps away the cobwebs of the heart. Figure out what makes you laugh and do it. So as Carolyn Birmingham put it so nicely “A smile starts on the lips, A grin spreads to the eyes, A chuckle comes from the belly; But a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, overflows, and bubbles all around.” So be funny every chance you get -- as long as it's not at someone else's expense!
Mark Lowry
"Home Depot/Dealing With An Athiest"
"Mamma Had Enough"
"The Old Sanctuary"
"Physciatric Help"
"Tumors And Trust"
"The Greatest Story Ever Told"
Research has shown health benefits of laughter ranging from strengthening the immune system to reducing food cravings to increasing one's threshold for pain. There's even an emerging therapeutic field known as humor therapy to help people heal more quickly, among other things. Humor also has several important stress relieving benefits.
John Grey
The Husband Song (A little mature)
"What A Friend We Have In Jesus" - Chonda Pierce
Bill Cosby Noah *UNCUT*
"Open Heart Surgery" By Mark Lowry
"The New Dentist" By Mark Lowry
"Presbyterian Baptismal/Being Single"
"Flying With A Baby"
"All Mamma Ever Wanted"
Stress Management Benefits of Laughter:
Hormones: Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline), dopamine and growth hormone. It also increases the level of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins, and neurotransmitters. Laughter increases the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T cells. All this means a stronger immune system, as well as fewer physical effects of stress. Physical Release: Have you ever felt like you "have to laugh or I'll cry"? Have you experienced the cleansed feeling after a good laugh? Laughter provides a physical and emotional release. Internal Workout: A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed afterward. It even provides a good workout for the heart. Distraction: Laughter brings the focus away from anger, guilt, stress and negative emotions in a more beneficial way than other mere distractions. Perspective: Studies show that our response to stressful events can be altered by whether we view something as a 'threat' or a 'challenge'. Humor can give us a more lighthearted perspective and help us view events as 'challenges', thereby making them less threatening and more positive. Social Benefits of Laughter: Laughter connects us with others. Also, laughter is contagious, so if you bring more laughter into your life, you can most likely help others around you to laugh more, and realize these benefits as well. By elevating the mood of those around you, you can reduce their stress levels, and perhaps improve the quality of social interaction you experience with them, reducing your stress level even more!
Kerri Pomarolli
"Cool Water"- By The Gaither Vocal Band (With Mark Lowry?)
"Jesus On The Mainline" – performed by The Gaither Vocal Band (With Mark Lowry?)
