Originally written in 2013. Updated in 2025.
The picture in this post is of my friend Tim.
Actually—scratch that—my brother Tim. “Dear friend” just doesn’t cut it. Tim is more like family, which is why I usually greet him with a hearty, “Brother T!”
Tim is one of those rare people who can make you laugh even on the hardest days. He doesn’t force it. He just sees life through a lens that’s a little lighter, a little funnier—and a whole lot more joyful. Even when things are heavy in his own life, he somehow finds a way to say something that cracks me up. Learn more about the joy and soul-care that comes from faithful friendship in What a Dog Can Teach Us. I’ve had conversations with him where I was laughing so hard, my wife Annie—who had no idea what we were talking about—started laughing just from hearing me.
When I got off the phone, she said, “I don’t know what that was about… but hearing your laughter was medicine for me, too.”
And she’s right. Tim’s humor is contagious. When we’re together in a group, it’s only a matter of time before everyone’s laughing. Research shows laughter really can be healing—for body and soul. Focus on the Family explains the science and soul behind laughter.
This picture is from a serve trip we went on several years ago with Tim’s church. During the day, we helped rebuild homes. At night, we volunteered in the kitchen to “cook” for the other volunteers. (And I do mean volunteer very loosely.) Technically, the mother-daughter duo we served under did all the real work—we just helped where we could, and became world-class dishwashers in the process.
Tim saw this as a photo opportunity to send to our wives, hoping to prove how hard we were working in the kitchen. Not pictured: our taste-testing, storytelling, and non-stop laughter. Our wives didn’t buy it for a second.
But to me, those evenings were some of the best parts of the trip. The work mattered—but the joy? That’s what I remember.
What Scripture Says About a Good Laugh
I’ve always believed that God has a sense of humor. After all, laughter was His idea.
Scripture might not describe Jesus cracking jokes, but it does say this:
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
— Proverbs 17:22
That line hits home. A cheerful heart doesn’t just lift your mood—it’s good medicine. And we need it now more than ever.
Jesus also said something in John 15:11 that I believe makes room for laughter:
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Or as I often reflect on it—Let My joy be your joy. That’s the invitation. And joy isn’t just reserved for perfect days or perfect people. It’s the undercurrent that helps us keep going in an imperfect world.
Whether it’s a funny friend, a sitcom that cracks you up (I’m still a big Everybody Loves Raymond fan), or even an old memory that makes you smile—laughter can shift your entire day. It doesn’t mean your circumstances disappear. It just reminds you that joy is still possible in the middle of them.
The Real Health Benefits
According to an article from the Mayo Clinic, laughter isn’t just good for the soul—it’s good for your body too. Some of the benefits include:
- Reducing stress
- Boosting oxygen flow
- Relaxing muscles
- Improving circulation
- Easing pain
- Strengthening your immune system
It’s free. It’s natural. And it connects us to others in a way few things can.
Joy is contagious—and sometimes, it really is the medicine our souls need most. Whether it’s a friend who makes you laugh or a moment that brings unexpected humor, don’t underestimate the healing power of laughter. It’s one of God’s most generous gifts to the soul.
Your Turn
How do you relieve stress?
Do you find laughter to be good medicine?
Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you. And if you’re having a rough day, maybe start with this (short clip from Everybody Loves Raymond). It still gets me every time.
I also get to share some of that “Tim” laughter. As his little sister, you can image all the laughter we have when we are together. It’s so nice to hear someone else say that about him. I don’t think anyone could interact with Tim and not feel that way about him. He is truly the best!!! And not only do I get to call him my big brother but one of my dear friends as well. Oh yes I did just get all foofy with it. 😉
xoxo
He has mentioned the laughs he has had with you Lynn. Although, you may not know what a good dancer he is 🙂 You will have to ask him to show you his dance moves to a certain MC hammer song – WARNING! it could cause over “laughter” medication. :)-Thanks for the comment.
Oh yeah!! I know about his dance moves! Lol You will have to ask him about the “Gangnam Style”. Oh that Tim of ours…What will we do with him?! 🙂 Have a great day!