Laughter on the Hotline
It was my first day as a volunteer on the Suicide Hotline, and I was sweating bullets from nerves. I had completed initial crisis training and was ready to take calls. I should say, they thought I was ready. I, on the other hand, was certainly eager to help. My “ready” part was questionable. I had much to learn that could not be taught through books. I needed to put my training into practice.
One lesson was about the necessity of laughter while serving on the hotline. I was prepared to cry, but laugh?
Don’t get me wrong. Laughter, in terms of mocking callers, would get you kicked off. Most people who volunteer to help would never be tempted with such a thing. So where did laughter come in? It started in the break room.
I survived my first round of calls and made a positive difference, but I was weighed down by heaviness from the work. With relief, I followed my mentor to the break room where, lo and behold, The Three Stooges were blasting on the television. Not only that, workers were passing around Far Side comics. I still shake my head at the shock of that moment. I stood with my mouth wide open and not saying a word. I was stuck to the floor in unbelief that this was the same group, who minutes before, were in the trenches with suicidal ideation.
My mentor called my name a few times to get my attention. I somehow managed to turn my head towards her. With a serious sober smile, she corrected in no uncertain terms. If you are going to last in this field, you have GOT to learn how to laugh. If you don’t, you will not make it.
It has been twenty-five years, yet I find myself still needing to relearn this lesson. Laughter is not just for giddy encounters. It is vital to strengthen us in challenging seasons. We might increase it through watching The Three Stooges, reading Far Side comics, or in my case… walking with my camera, waiting for the sunrise, or listening to music. Possibilities are endless.
There remains, however, a deeper joy that nothing in this world can take away. It is joy found in the presence of God. The joy of the Lord is greater than circumstances, and it fortifies our soul to endure when we might have quit. A few Scriptures come to mind.
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 ESV
I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! John 15:11 NLT
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11 NIV
And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” Nehemiah 8:10 NLT
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 NKV
Soak in the promises and allow yourself to smile. Breathe in joy, then exhale, with a big deep breath.
Music helps me, so I include a song, I’ve Got Joy, with Cece Winans.
Blessings to you and yours!
Mary