Soulful Saturday: The Sacred Gift of Laughter

When I was fifteen, I went to Cincinnati with my best friend, Angie, and her mom. Angie and I were walking around the mall by ourselves when we started chatting with a group of guys our age. Together we made our way through the store, when suddenly I ran into someone—hard—falling right on top of them and getting completely tangled up.

The whole way down I kept saying, “I’m so sorry, oh no, I’m so sorry!” only to realize... it was a mannequin. Needless to say, my best friend was doubled over laughing—and the guys ditched us immediately. To this day, I still laugh every time I think about it. I apologized to a mannequin!

It’s funny how laughter sticks with you that way. It becomes a snapshot of joy that you can revisit when life feels heavy—a reminder that you’re still capable of smiling, even after a fall (literal or otherwise).

The Healing Power of Laughter

We underestimate how sacred laughter really is. It’s one of the ways God resets our hearts. When we laugh, we breathe deeper, release tension, and remember that not every moment needs to be serious.

Therapeutically, laughter calms the nervous system—it actually tells your body you’re safe. Spiritually, it whispers the same truth: you’re still held, still loved, still allowed to delight in life.

Laughter doesn’t mean life is perfect—it means your soul is still alive. It’s a sign that hope isn’t gone; it’s just been waiting for a reason to resurface.

Try This

1. Let yourself laugh: Watch something funny, tell a story that makes you giggle, or spend time with someone who brings out your joy.

2. Notice the shift: Pay attention to how your body feels afterward—your shoulders drop, your breathing evens, your heart feels lighter.

3. Use humor as healing: When life feels too serious, look for a reason to smile. It’s not denial—it’s resilience.

Inviting God

Thank God for the gift of laughter—the moments that break tension, soften pain, and remind you that joy still has a place in your life. Even Jesus shared meals, stories, and laughter with those He loved.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” — Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)

Let’s Connect

Leave a comment or reach out to me via the website—let’s talk about how this has sparked your desire for better living. I’ll see you back here tomorrow for Stillness Sunday. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss any future posts.

If today’s message spoke to you, you’ll love my book My Pocket Counselor—it offers perspective-shifting truth and faith-filled guidance to help you grow emotionally and spiritually, one step at a time.