Last Laugh

Good morning! Today's power scripture comes from Proverb 3:34 – “He will humiliate those who make fun of others, but he is kind to those who are humble.”

       There is a saying – ‘He who laughs last, laughs best’. When gossip or slander or mischief or plain old fashioned bullying produces victims that are the brunt of ridicule the Bible gives concrete advice against making fun of others. Those who might be laughed at in the beginning shall be lifted out of the mire of mockery into a place of rejoicing. We all kid around with our friends and might even share a good, innocent laugh with co-workers or neighbors; but we must be careful that we do not cross the boundary between humor and humiliation.  I have a pretty decent sense of humor and can find something funny in just about everything if given enough time;  but I would be rich if I had a dollar for every time I did use good judgment and kept my mouth shut even though my funny bone was itching.  If we are honest with ourselves we all know of times when we wanted to say something witty but it was inappropriate and the Holy Spirit guided you to keep your mouth closed. What might seem harmlessly funny to us might not be so amusing to the person or persons on the other end of the tease.

      Recently there was a young man from the Detroit, Michigan area, Jahmel Binion, who experienced such shameful treatment from pictures and taunts that were posted on the internet Instagram site. I do not utilize the site but from the news reports it seems that this gentle spirit suffers from a rare skin and soft tissue disease known as ectodermal dysplasia and well known celebrities who should act as role models acted like miscreants instead.  But the young man did not lash out in anger, but remained humble and turned the tables on the would be taunters when he started an anti-bullying campaign called “Hug Don’t Judge” that has now gone viral.  Anyone interested in helping this young man get the word out that God does not make mistakes and that everyone is precious in his sight, email him at jstar91100@gmail.com for more information.  Surely Jahmel will be the one who will laugh last and best.

       Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day!  Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn