Shhhhh....
Confession: I am embarrassed by my laugh. All my friends know that when I find something funny, I can't help but laugh. But also I cover my mouth and laugh silently. I don't recall when this habit started or what event triggered this need to hide, but I'm guessing somewhere along the way my laugh drew some unwanted attention. That's not surprising to me because I LOVE to laugh. I find a lot of things funny. A good joke (even knock, knocks!), witty replies hidden in serious conversation, when someone hurts themselves (oh my goodness, PUHLEASE, I cannot help myself!). Yes, that instinct to laugh can, at times, make me pretty uncomfortable, but also has been such a gift in my life.
My childhood was rough. It was nothing many children haven't gone through (divorce, custody battles, living apart from my mom and brothers, lots of anger and resentment floating around all the time). As a little person, I was dealing with some pretty serious stuff that HURT. I can recall feeling actual physical pain during these emotional moments. But one thing could always get me out of the pain - LAUGHTER. My dad or brother would always crack a joke at the perfect time that brought that smile and laugh right out of me. It never changed my circumstances but it sure did change how I was going through them.
The Book That Had Me LOL-ing
I think that's why I love to laugh so much. And there is nothing like a good funny book to get me there. It can transform my mundane moments into magic. I've read some good ones but one of my absolute favorites is Carry On, Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton. She had me cracking up!!! She shares her struggles and triumphs in motherhood and life with candor and wit. And she is HILARIOUS!! I mean seriously...that is one funny woman. I gobbled that book up and had so many moments where my family looked at me like I was a straight up crazy person because I was laughing so loud. But to say that's all the book was about would do it a disservice.
And More
It is also filled with her thoughts on God, Love, education, parenting, relationships, spirituality. The chapters are short and it's easy to read. I really enjoyed reading her perspective. I didn't always agree with everything she said but every entry got me thinking and having good conversation. In fact, I read this with a group of women. It brought up stuff in each person. Some had negative reactions, as some of the author's views can be considered controversial, but most really enjoyed it (I've never been the type of person who believed in burning books because I didn't agree with what the author wrote or was scared of it. I come from the perspective that we are rational humans guided by a Divine, Loving God who informs us always so I don't fear when I read). There were so many thoughts she shared that I still carry with me today. Like when times are tough, just focus on what your next right step is. Or her definition of being humble which is knowing you're worth everything to God but so is the person across from you or next to you. Or sometimes when your kids are being, well...kids...just put a bag over your head and punch out (seriously, the illustration in the book that goes with that slays me every time!!). But by far the best part for me was that I was so lost in it that not once did I cover my mouth when I laughed. Nope, not once.
What about you?
Do you have a laugh-out-loud book that you love? Please share in the comments below! I can always use a good laugh. ;) And check out this week's Vlog to hear about another HILARIOUS read!!
Lisa is a deep-thinker, a philosopher in cute jeans and flip flops, a Nutty Professor - mom style. She recognized God's presence at an early age and has lived life mostly open to Him. She hears His voice in books, movies, and music - no matter the genre! She is serious about the work of living Loved, loving God, and loving people.