Laughter ... some good medicine

 

There is a gift that God has given us that turns the corners of your mouth upwards and may make your belly shake: laughter. It is said that laughter is a great form of stress relief ... and that's no joke! The Mayo Clinic says there are short-term benefits of laughter.

"When you start to laugh, it doesn't just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body. Laughter can stimulate many organs, activate and relieve your stress response, and soothe tension."

Laughter also has some long-term effects. It can "improve your immune system, relieve pain, increase personal satisfaction, and improve your mood" (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456).

Richard W. Bimler, in his book "Let There Be Laughter!" writes the following:

"Let there be laughter! What a wonderful affirmation of our faith in the Lord. God calls each of us to be a light, a hope, a promise of His presence in our lives. We share our lives, our dreams, and ourselves with those around us. And as we walk and talk our faith, we bring a celebrative lifestyle to others because we know what life in Christ Jesus is all about. What's more, we know how it all will turn out. Christ is alive! He as risen for each of us. In taking away the fear of dying, Christ has also taken away the fear of living!

"So, let there be laughter! If people of God are not able to laugh at this life, who is? We can and do laugh and celebrate because Christ has already done everything for us to assure us of life eternal – and life in Him every day. Now that is something to celebrate!"

In a couple of weeks, beginning June 3, our community has the opportunity to laugh out loud, enjoy fellowship with others, and support our community. Christian comedians Tommy Woodard and Eddie James of The Skit Guys have come out with their first feature film, "Family Camp." Here's more about it:

"When their pastor encourages the congregation to sign up for a week away at family camp, Grace (Leigh-Allyn Baker) believes she's found the perfect cure for her imperfect clan – even if they'd all rather be anywhere but at rustic Camp Katokwah. The first feature film from The Skit Guys – Tommy Woodard and Eddie James – "Family Camp" is a laugh-out-loud comedy that is sure to touch the hearts and tickle the funny bones of every family member from eight to eighty.

"The Skit Guys have answered faith-based movie lovers' prayers: This is easily the best Christian comedy made to date. With excellent production values, solid direction, and fantastic comedy chops from the cast, "Family Camp" is a winner. Its laugh-out loud humor may help it cross into the mainstream, as could the way it depicts the Ackermans, who positively represent many families of faith in "the secular community:" They go to church and believe in God, but they don't talk about it all the time. Writer-director Brian Cates smartly contrasts the Ackermans with their bunkmates, the smugly pious Sanders family. This allows Christian families to laugh knowingly at two extremes they may recognize."

So, if you want to enjoy some good "medicine" with others and use the gift of laughter that we have from

 

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