Laugh Your Way to Grace: Reclaiming the Spiritual Power of Humor

One of my favorite quotes throughout most of my life is "when a person can laugh at herself" (or himself), she or he will find joy and humor throughout all of life. To live in a state of appreciation for humor, be it simple or complex, is to be open to the child within self as well as others. I do not like slap stick or America's so called funny videos that are about a person or persons being hurt or injured. I do so enjoy those clever come backs on Big Bang Theory, those memories of when our babes or selves have said or done something that is so stunningly CUTE that just the thought returning, can make one smile. Those times when we are so sad, happy or full of the moment that we do something or say something so counter to what we intended, the mirthful laughter can release so much of the good stuff that boost the brain and the body. Rev Susan Sparks embraces the community of shared humor, pointing out that a smile is the most universal of what can break thru the language barrier, those social and political ladders, and just simply remind us that we are human. Laughter is contagious as well as strife..... and as for me, I prefer to catch the bug of laughter any time over the bug of misery. I bought my first book at my local library share area and then went on line to Amazon and purchased four more to give as gifts. When I read my copy, I had trouble putting it down.... it was so easy to read and get into. I give it 5 stars for content, inspiration and confirmation that a smile and joyful laughter trumps the negative. It is so grand to be able to find others who understand that God made us to laugh and smile and enjoy sharing with others, and not have to cuss, be immoral or be injured to be funny or charmingly entertaining. If babies, our pets and each other can bring us a smile, it is truly a great experience.

Science tells us that laughter is a crucial ingredient we need in our lives to boost our immune system—laughter decreases our stress hormones and triggers the release of endorphins, our happy chemicals. Sparks offers a different avenue. She encourages us to see laughter as holy. Her personal stories as a pastor, her human experiences on this road of life, and the texts she shares from different faith traditions will have you laughing out loud. Ahh! You will say. She gets it. Real laughter, where we face our fears, foibles and mistakes. Her chapters are divided into bite-size life lessons, and her end of chapter questions will have you reflecting on your life and how to bring even more humor in.

The book arrived with glue marks on the both sides of the cover- front and back. I was supposed to give it as a gift. But look not so presentable anymore. But content is good.

Am not a big buy spiritual books kind of gal, but I read an article about Susan Sparks in "O" magazine. I'd just purchased my Kindle and decided "why not". OMG (and I mean that) I couldn't stop laughing...struck such a chord of honesty and not taking ourselves so seriously and quit sweating the small stuff...laughter is the best medicine. Doesn't really matter what your spiritual path is...learning to laugh at life and at ourselves, more often than not serves us well.

Susan Sparks made me laugh. I was so inspired by her book that I quoted her message in a sermon so others could discover for themselves that incorporating laughter helps overcome some of the difficulties of everyday life. Thank you Reverend Susan!

When I purchased "Laugh Your Way to Grace," I expected more of a how-to guide than a memoir. It great to hear the anecdotes that Sparks provides in relating her personal spiritual journey to lessons of faith, but I was left wanting more. I had hope for a bit more advice about how to make the change in myself. She has a great story, and experience like no other, but I can't relate.

There is nothing I agree with more than the premise of this book. I would have liked to read about people whose attitudes enable them to laugh. I felt that Ms Sparks felt that she had to justify laughter, and as a result did not go forward enough to distinguish between nervous laughing, and the laughing that opens up one's entire being.

I like Rev. Sparks' perspective that laughter is great medicine for dealing with life's challenges. Her insights have helped me to take many things less seriously and given me more energy for dealing with life in a more creative way.

Love it!

This is an excellent read. It gives you delight in knowing that a person can laugh their way to grace.It is well written with good humor. I would recommend this book to others.

Laughter is integral to the health of the human soul. Susan Sparks portrays this truth with humour as she shares personal stories as a comedian and minister.

Wow I loved this book! Perfect holiday reading - deep enough to give you food for thought, light enough to be amusing.