| This is a ministry of The Little Church in the Wildwood |
| DON'T BE A SORE HEAD... Laughter is Good Medicine! I normally go out of my way not to offend anyone; however, if what I am about to say offends you, I am not sorry. It is my opinion that some church members who are otherwise faithful, are also "sore heads". Webster's Dictionary defines "sore head" as "one who is easily offended, annoyed, or angered." They are missing out on one of the Lord's greatest gifts, a sense of humor, which is a shame. I am fully aware there are those who have good reason to be unhappy. Solomon wrote, "there is a time to weep" (Ecc.3:4). People often times find themselves dealing with burdensome situations that cause great pain. Does this mean we must always be miserable? No! Solomon also wrote, "there is a time to laugh" (Ecc.3:4). It seems there are those who equate a sad look with Christianity. Where in God's Word does it tell (the believer) we must be miserable or act like we are miserable? The Bible tells us, "A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance" (Proverbs 14:13). An article by Michele Meyers, appearing in the April, 1997, Better Homes and Gardens magazine, entitled Laughter: It's Good Medicine, wrote: "If your doctor ever tells you to lighten up, don't be offended. Such a prescription may sound ridiculous, but research shows that laughter and a positive attitude can be healing. The not only help bolster your immune system, but they also lead patients to take better care of themselves. Anger and stress can do the reverse." She concluded her study with these words: "So joke with your family, coworkers, and friends verbally, by e-mail, or fax. Find a friend who has the same sense of humor that you do. Humor is contagious, laughter is infectious, and both are good for your health." I know life is serious business and I know life can be hard. I also know there are many reasons to rejoice and be happy in this life. We read in the Old Testament about the Israelites and their dealings with God. Israel had lived in captivity for many years but the Lord kept His promise to deliver them from bondage. When they returned to their home-land, it was a time of great rejoicing. "When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion, we were like those who dream" (Psalms 126:1). It was like a dream for God's people to be able to finally return home after all those years in captivity. How did the people respond to God's blessing? "Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with joyful shouting; then they said among the nations, The Lord has done great things for them. The Lord has done great things for us; we were glad" (Psalms 126:2 - 3). I am told that in Pennsylvania there is an old law on the books making it unlawful for a preacher to tell jokes at church. All I can say to that is this: "I sure feel sorry for those preachers living in Pensylvania." I love to laugh and, as you know, I love to tell jokes even if I am the only one who finds them funny! I cannot imagine going through life without laughter. Remember this: "A joyful heart makes a cheerful face" (Proverbs 15:13). "A joyful heart is good medicine" (Proverbs 17:22). Think about it! Rick r/r Rolin |
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| This is a sample article for the Wildwood Valley church of Christ weekly newsletter written by Rick Rolin. The newsletter is distributed weekly via mailing list and includes the happenings at our church and an article written by me. If you are interested in being added to the mailing list and receiving the newsletter, please e-mail the Webmaster your request. |
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| Delisa Gordon Logan, Webmaster Member International Association of Web Masters and Designers Member Wildwood Valley church of Christ |
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