Laugh It Off

A storm, according to Webster’s dictionary is defined as a disturbed or agitated state. In life, we are either getting ready to go into a storm, in the middle of a storm, or just getting out of a storm. That is the cycle. But storms, tests, trials are present to teach us things.
But why do we go through storms?

In a quest to be all that you can be, and to pursue your dreams which I often employ all of you all to do, you are going to go through storms. The quest to do better, be better, and get better is one that will take you through a multitude of storms. Storms are a way of preparing you for the future you have planned for yourself. God uses storms to prepare use because it’s the best way to teach us and take us to new heights.

But in order for us to move forward, we have to relinquish the past. Forget about it. A lot of times we are held in the same state, or place in our lives because we refuse to let go of the past. We hold onto anger, fear, past hurts, and deeds. We condemn ourselves, and we allow others to do the same also. But as my pastor always says there are two types of people in this world—the caught and the uncaught—but we’re all guilty of something. Don’t let what you have been through or done affect where you are going. Stop talking about the past. It’s like a child with a scrape on his knee who keeps taking off his band-aid to show everyone. He’s delaying the healing process. Trust, there was a reason you went through or did a lot of things, because if you think really hard, you would not be where you are today if it weren’t for all the things that happened in your yesterdays.

This is a lesson I have had to learn for myself, and I’m still learning. But I realize where my weaknesses lie, and I move forward to attain the goal and win the prize that I am destined for. When you are striving to go somewhere, the enemy will do all he can to keep you down, but instead of trying to fight him: Laugh it off. When you are in a storm and it seems like everything is going wrong, and things just keep on happening. Laugh. When the people you are closest too hurt you: Laugh it off. When people always try to pull you down by bringing up what your past: Laugh it off. The battle begins in your mind. You defeat the enemy by tricking him. Making him think you are unaffected. He does not use creative measures to get under your skin. For all of those who remember playing “thumps”, you evoked the most pain and advantage by thumping your opponent’s knuckles in the same spot. You wouldn’t even have to do it hard, because with patience, and in little time, they would give. That’s the same thing with the enemy. And he will use the things and people closest to you to do just that. But when you laugh, it actually becomes contagious, and you’ll feel a quiet strength arise from within that will help you overcome any obstacle.

So remember, the next time you’re in a storm. Laugh your way through it. In spite of everything: Practice Joy.