“Sarah laughed.” A brief lexicographical survey of biblical figures who were said to have laughed is a short list. Many are familiar with a famous matriarch from Genesis 18, Sarah (Abraham’s wife). When Sarah is told by a messenger of the Lord that she will conceive and bear a child in her old age, she laughed: So Sarah laughed to herself and said, “Now that I am worn out and my husband is old, am I still to have sexual pleasure?” (Gen. 18:12) It’s an ironic moment, one that foreshadows the birth of her son, Isaac (from the Hebrew Yitzhak, for “one who laughs”). But later the meaning of “the laugh” becomes one filled with overflowing joy. It is a laughter replete with soul-stoking energy and blessing because what seemed improbable, if not impossible, came to pass. It is caused by the birth of Isaac, whose very being brings rejoicing for an old couple. Yes, on that occasion, she may have laughed out loud, along with everyone else in the family. What a moment! It’s the dignified, deep-down laugh of someone who’s discovered something really wonderful, a dream fulfilled.
There’s something about shared laughter that’s good for the soul. Maybe we need different words for different types of laughter? There’s the profound, satisfying laughter of one who has been surprised by joy, maybe “Isaac-ery?” Or the laughter that erupts from sudden embarrassment: “Ooopsy-sterics?” Or the laughter that is just side-splitting, overflowing guffaws, arising from silly, nonsensical, uproariously hilarious and utterly contagious connection: “Hilari-atrics?” It doesn’t matter how many flavors, just as long as we sample a few.
Laughter relieves stress, releases tension and energy-draining toxins, snaps our defensive posturing, helps us reach out and relate with our trusted friends and family members, and sometimes even those with whom our bonds are strained. Laughter is an elixir for so many reasons, especially for the bridge-building conduit it provides among us. For this reason, authentic, belly-shaking, tear-inducing, raucous laughter is often reserved for those with whom we feel most at home, most comfortable and even vulnerable. In other words, it means something special when we connect through laughter. Deep-down, breath-shuddering laughter leaves us a bit out of control. It’s not the safe, ironic laugh of sarcasm or witty insight (“Smirk-ter”). Nor is it delectatio morosa, taking delight in another’s misfortune (“Smack-ter”). No. The laughter that heals is the kind that is kin-building, the kind that supplants the mundane with the outrageous and makes it clear that none of us is above—nor outside—human folly. Kids get this. Dogs definitely get it! Goofy, weird, immeasurably treasured friends get this in ways unimaginable. “Make ‘em laugh!”
Today, in the midst of a global pandemic, heart-wrenching human rights abuses, spiraling ecological crises wrought by eco-cidal neglect and pillaging, rampant misinformation designed to deceive, as well as widespread ignorance and avarice, we are struggling, wrestling, praying for insight and creative ways forward. This is a time to remember our breath. This is a time to remember our inter-connection with the Whole, with the wider “We.” And God help us, we might also remember to laugh out loud whenever we feel it may be inter-e-rupting. God’s blessing of laughter may just bring us tears of unmitigated joy!
https://youtu.be/bfTyEtVIe84 (Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in “Dentist Sketch” from “The Carol Burnett Show”)
https://youtu.be/yf3VayvAF_E (Betty White Bloopers from “Hot in Cleveland”)
https://youtu.be/NkQ58I53mjk (Lucy and Ethel and the Chocolate Factory, “I Love Lucy”)
https://youtu.be/SND3v0i9uhE (“Make ‘Em Laugh” from “Singing in the Rain” by Donald O’Connor)
LOL
—Laura Weber, Prairiewoods associate director and retreats coordinator