Have you ever gotten one of those “inspirational” chain emails that says, “Make sure you read through to the end!”? I’m all about trying to encourage others with something funny or inspirational. But the problem I have with most chain emails is that they ruin the warm fuzzy feelings as soon as I read the last line: “If you’re really a good friend, send this to 10 other people and the person who sent it to you so they know how much you care.” What?

Not to be a Debbie Downer, but why do we have to have messages like that?

It’s not fair for some email to say we’re not a good friend just because we’re one of the 7% who won’t forward it. That’s crazy. So what do I do? If I really like the message, I delete the last section and send it out. But never to 10 people.

Whether or not we forward chain emails, most of us enjoy inspirational phrases. They wrap big encouragement in small packages. Sometimes they’re quotes from famous speeches, sometimes proverbs, and sometimes just funny quips that make you chuckle.

Like what we see on refrigerator magnets.

Here’s a favorite by William W. Purkey:

You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching,
Love like you’ll never be hurt,
Sing like there’s nobody listening,
And live like it’s heaven on earth.

If we could actually do these things, it would be heaven on earth. Until someone heard me sing. Recently, I saw a similar quote that added, “Work like you don’t need money.” Personally, I’d rather not work like I don’t need money. But that’s just me.

In honor of “Laugh Out Loud Day” (yes, I made that up), today I thought we could have a light-hearted day sharing some of our favorite quotes and phrases. Here are a few to start us off…

          One of the greatest pleasures in life is doing what people say can’t be done. 

          Everything is okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end. 

          When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on this long. 

          If God is your co-pilot, switch seats! 

          “Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.” Bil Keane 

          Don’t put a question mark where God put a period. 

          Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on the door forever. 

          Laughter is the best medicine. 

          The obstacle before us is never as great as the Power behind us.

And here is my new all-time favorite:

          Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.

Life is full of storms. They come and they go. Some will stay way too long. But if we can learn to laugh and dance in the midst of them, it will be like heaven on earth. So let’s get out there and dance a funky dance in the rain!

And remember, dance like no one’s watching.

“But for you who revere My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.” Malachi 4:2

May I pray?

Father God, thank you for the gift of humor. Help us today to step back from the seriousness of life and let ourselves laugh out loud. Lord, we know the storms of life all too well. Many of us have been in them for a very long time. Be with us as we struggle through the swirling dark clouds. Protect us. Comfort us. Strengthen us. And Lord, will You help us learn to dance in the rain? May we dance for an Audience of One. Amen.

Q4U: What are some of your favorite quotes or phrases?