Laughter Really is Good Medicine
This week I’ve been preparing for a MOPS talk I’m giving next Wednesday. My talk is titled, “Lighten Up and Belly Laugh, Moms.”
I’ve struggled with my topic, thinking what bad timing. Our economy is rock bottom. Our future president is unknown. Our world is at war. And I’m supposed to encourage moms to laugh again. Ha. How shallow! How foolish! How insensitive!
But then again, the more I read and research online, practice my talk, and read Bible verses, the more I believe maybe this talk is God’s timing.
Could it be that with all the chaos in this world, we need the reminder to lighten up and laugh again?
I think so.
Laughter is part of who God created us to be.
The first time the word laugh is used in the Bible is in Genesis 17. Abraham and Sarah both chuckle at God’s promise to give them a son. I would’ve laughed too. After all they are 90 and 100 years old, not exactly spring chickens. I believe God has a sense of humor. Especially because He tells them to name their child Isaac, which means “he laughs.”
We’ve all heard the phrase “laughter is good medicine.” Well, it really is. Proverbs point out the importance of a cheerful spirit. And laughing is definitely a cheerful thing to do.
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart and good news health to the bones. Proverbs 15:30 (NIV).
A cheerful heart is good medicine but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22. (NIV)
Need more convincing? Want to know the health benefits?
Laughter:
· helps our bodies heal faster
· strengthens immune system
· stimulates both sides brain for better learning
· improves brain function
· increases energy
· adjusts blood pressure and blood sugar
· burns calories
· relaxes muscles
· improves digestion and sleep
· unites families in troubled times
Even the Proverbs 31 woman valued a lighthearted laugh. “She is clothed with strength and dignity and she can laugh at the days to come,” (verse 25).
God knew I needed this talk for such a time as this. I’m naturally prone to worry. And worry big! So this time of preparation is perfect timing. Every time I give a talk, I learn the lessons all over again.
Like I said, God has a sense of humor! He makes me smile.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the healing power of laughter.
In His Grip,
Tiffany at “Tea with Tiffany “
His timing really rocks because I think we do need laughter these days. I tend to be a worrier myself and I am constantly in prayer and constantly making the effort to leave my worries in the ever-capable Hands of my Father. Once we’ve truly done that, and we’re doing what we can to improve our own situations, what’s not to laugh about? He has taken our burden and there is SO MUCH beauty and so much good in the world!
Like you, it’s a lesson I learn over and over and I appreciate the reminder this morning.
God bless you, my friend!
Amen, laughter is wonderful medicine.
wonderful! i love how science backs up the word of God – even when it doesn’t really want to! 🙂
How true it is that laughter makes us feel better. I think the timing of your talk is perfect!
You are SO right! Laughter is good medicine. I remember an old ‘camp’ song from when my kids were doing the summer camp thing called “The Laughing Song”. The last verse, all you did was laugh. It was always so silly, but just what was needed. hmm…thanks for bringing that thought to mind. I just may incorporate that into the retreat I’m leading week next week.
You always make me smile, my friend.
I always love the way I feel after a good laugh.
Loved your post…and your heart.
Hugs,
Julie
This is awesome Tiffany! God does have a sense of humour and so should we 🙂
Tiffany,
Great post. If I try and think of the people I enjoy being with the most, they all have one thing in common, laughter. They can either make me laugh or laugh a lot themselves.
You are right, laughter is such a blessing.
Laughter is so good. When I have my granddaughters around me we love to have a good laugh together.
Tiffany,
I have to say, in the deepest throws of our pain…God did indeed send us laughter. My sister Aimee is quite the clown at times, and her stories and illustrations of raising two opposites and her preacher man husband can be quite hilarious. At the best times.
I’m all in with you…let’s do laugh. I know there have been times that surely God laughed at me….
This was good. VERY good. After this day…girl I needed it!!
Dear Tiffany,
Thank you for reminding us to laugh. It is not only good for the one doing the action but it’s also good for all they come in contact with. Just like a smile is quite contagious so is laughter. If someone is laughing really hard and snorts, no matter what they are laughing about at least one more person starts laughing simply because the snort was funny. We have all been there, I’m sure. *smile* Our best friend starts laughing at something we don’t find humerous at all and then before we know it their joy overflows onto us and we are laughing at their laughter. *smile* Really, I agree, now is the perfect time to laugh and smile.
Thank you again for reminding us of that.
Sincerely, -me- (Mommy of two little blessings)
I tried to comment earlier today but had an error.
I have felt this on my heart lately of needing to do something on my blog about laughter. Thank you for writing this. I may refer to it if I do write something. It has been on my heart lately the need to laugh MORE. You’re right, it is God’s perfect timing!
God Bless you!
You are right, Tiffany. Laughter indeed is a great medicine. I love to laugh – and sometimes I even end up snorting 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and wonderful Bible passages.
Tiffany,
This post is so needed. Girl, I want to laugh every day. We need laughter, it is medicine to our soul. Awesome message. Hugs. Lynn
That is definitely a good and timely word! Thanks!
Sounds like a Tyler Perry movie is in order. Madea here I come! I so love to laugh, especially with my husband.
peace~elaine
You’re definitely right, a good laugh melts the angry heart. Very insightful and inspiring 🙂
Love, Martha (used to write at flyawaybirdie)
amen, amen!! What a wonderful study to do. and a great reminder for us to be the p31 women that we are…laughing at the days to come.
God bless your talk to the mops! I was blessed by that ministry so much when my kids were little…so valuable
Hey Friend,
This is great and timely. Our families stress level has been up for months now with no end in sight.
Last night we decided to just go play. Since money is tight we had to be creative.
So I made a Family scavenger hunt list. We went to some favorite stores and found items on the list.
Examples:
Something you would find in your grandparent’s house.
A gift for your worst enemy
A gift you might give the Apostle Paul if you could.
WE had a blast and all laughed together.
God was pleased and we were set free.
Thanks for this post.
Pamela
I read that Norman Cousins checked himself out of the hospital after being diagnosed with lymphoma. He watched comedies for hours and had less pain.
It takes less muscles to smile than it does to frown.
So, yes… go ahead and smile and let the laughter begin!