Finding the funny
Can we laugh when life feels heavy? Michael J. Goodwin explores joy, stand-up comedy, and the healing power of humor in a hurting world.
Joy is often confused with happiness, but the two are not synonymous. Happiness is tied to tangibles, and, even in favorable circumstances can be fleeting and more one-dimensional. Our consumer culture proves this. And happiness can be visited upon us, lighting on us, finding us. Joy can also find us, but it requires awareness and action, is often reciprocal and generative. Joy transforms us. Joy wraps itself around us and lifts us above the circumstances (favorable or otherwise). Joy is the peace of God’s spirit and the love God has for us. Joy is knowing the grace of God covers us. Even and especially when happiness is somewhere “out there,” and everything around and in us is crumbling. Joy is finding the courage to roll out of bed and revel in the day God has made. In this issue of the Outlook, we examine the boundless intricacies of joy.
Can we laugh when life feels heavy? Michael J. Goodwin explores joy, stand-up comedy, and the healing power of humor in a hurting world.
How can we preserve our tender hearts yet be vulnerable enough to engage with the “other” in this current climate? Amy Pagliarella reviews Jill Duffield's new book.
"Carr’s project helps us more fully see, hear (and be challenged by) Barth and Cone in the fullness of their thought and the long polyphonic arc of its development," writes Derek Elmi-Buursma of Raymond Carr's new book.
"Writing and Rewriting the Gospels" brings Occam’s razor to bear, leading to what Barker calls the snowball theory: Mark comes first. Matthew uses Mark. Luke uses Matthew and Mark, and John has access to all three (and Paul).
Up a set of broken steps and behind a door needing paint, Mary Austin encounters a guru of joy.
Joy is an intentional disruption, writes Lakisha R. Lockhart-Rusch, an act of resistance and a spiritual practice to be open to the good.
What happens when we explore the possibilities of what can be? (Hint: it's joyful.) — Cliff Haddox
Joy is not the result of turning a blind eye to the brokenness of ourselves and our world; instead, joy is confidence in the power of love. — Tom Are Jr.
In each issue of the Outlook, we include a discussion guide to further reflect on the issue. We recommend using this guide in your Bible study, small group or book club. It's our invitation into a faithful conversation.
A barista’s joy transforms Teri McDowell Ott's routine Starbucks visit into a lesson on contagious, life-changing joy — shared, uncontained, and deeply felt.
"Enough of the lamentations./ Open the window and sing!" — Marjorie Maddox
A poem from the acclaimed poet Marjorie Maddox.
Rosalind Banbury's ninth reflection on the 2024-2025 Presbyterian Women/Horizons Bible Study.
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