Description
Book SynopsisLaughter—the GPS System for the Soul Laughter was honored by the ancients as a spiritual healing tool and celebrated by the world's great religions. So why aren’t we laughing along the spiritual path today? What would happen if we did? In this personal and funny look at humor as a spiritual practice, Rev. Susan Sparks—an ex-lawyer turned comedian and Baptist minister—presents a convincing case that the power of humor radiates far beyond punch lines. Laughter can help you: Remove the fearful mask of a God who doesn’t laugh Debunk the myths that you don’t deserve joy Find perspective when faced with adversity Exercise forgiveness for yourself and others Reclaim play as a spiritual practice Heal—emotionally, physically, and spiritually Keep your faith when God is silent Live with elegance, beauty, and generosity of spirit Whatever your faith tradition—or if you have none at all—join this veteran of the punch line and the pulpit in reclaiming the forgotten humor legacy found in thousands of years of human spiritual history.
Trade Review"Like music, laughter is a universal language. And Susan Sparks speaks this language like no other. [This book] weaves humor and the sacred into one beautiful work of art. If you want to blast some fresh air into your spiritual life, then by all means read this book!" —Naomi Judd, multi-platinum country music artist; actress; author, Naomi's Guide to Aging Gratefully and other books "Thank God for Susan Sparks! By immersing ourselves in her honest insights, warm encouragement and hysterical stories, we're able to shatter the crust around our hearts that has kept us from fully experiencing the grace of life as God intended." —Peter Wallace, host and producer, Day1; author, Living Loved: Knowing Jesus as the Lover of Your Soul “Pure joy. Lively and lighthearted examples illustrate the connection between guffawing and God. A must-read if you want to laugh, learn and lighten up your journey on your spiritual path.” —Allen Klein, author, The Courage to Laugh and The Healing Power of Humor “The definitive book about how humor and laughter have everything to do with God. You will laugh out loud, and then it will move you to quiet contemplation and awe. It has done more for me than most of the theology books I’ve been forced to plow through. I’m still smiling ... and contemplating.” —Edward L. Beck, CP, author, God Underneath: Spiritual Memoirs of a Catholic Priest; ABC News religion contributor “Helps us transcend to a higher and better place, no matter what our circumstances. A much needed balm for a world that often forgets how to laugh.” —Saranne Rothberg, CEO, The ComedyCures Foundation; host, ComedyCures LaughTalk Radio “More than a delightfully written book; it is a Saturday afternoon conversation with a favorite friend at the neighborhood coffee shop. I hope that this is just the first installment in an ongoing Saturday afternoon conversation with a new favorite friend, Susan Sparks.” —Pam Durso, executive director, Baptist Women in Ministry
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction A Letter from God Disclaimer PART I Why Aren't We Laughing? 1 Humor and Holiness Are Not Oxymorons: Finding My Way as an Ordained Comedian 2 The Lost Branch of the Family Tree: Remembering Our Legacy of Laughter 3 Spiritual Geliophobia: The Fear of Laughing in the Presence of God 4 Eating Dessert on the Titanic: The Opportunity for Joy Is Now PART II What Would Happen If We Laughed? 5 High Places of the Heart: Finding Perspective through Laughter 6 We're All Hells Angels: Using Humor to See Past Our Differences 7 Burping in the Pulpit: Rediscovering a Fresh Spiritual Practice through the Eyes of a Child 8 Breathe, Just Breathe: The Healing Power of Breath and Laughter 9 Into the Ark: Laughter in Times of Crisis 10 A Leo's Search for God: Laughter Helps Us Keep Faith When God Is Silent 11 The Dash In Between: How We Live and What We Leave Suggestions for Further Reading
