Letter from Clare

What is it?  It increases the production of pain relieving hormones; activates the parasympathetic nervous system; we can all do it, even babies who are deaf and dumb; it uses fewer muscles than frowning; and the Queen Mother possessed its gift in abundance?  The answer is Laughter.

On the same day as the Queen Mothers funeral, another funeral service was taking place, in Earl Soham Church, a service of thanksgiving  for the life of Joan Baly, a friend to many in these parts. Her niece read a poem called “ Smiling “ and asked those present that when they remembered Joan, to smile. I had been with Joan, on the morning on which she had suffered a severe stroke, from which she was not to recover, as I sat by her bed and held her hand, what moved me greatly was her ability to smile, very lop sidedly, but very definitely, especially as I began to say the familiar words of the Lord’s Prayer.

Laughter is not something the Church is often associated with, and much more the pity and yet within the Bible can be found a number of references to laughter. There are stories of the prophet David, as he exulted in the goodness of God, dancing and playing before the ark of the Lord. Laughter is about letting go, letting down barriers and dropping the defence mechanisms we all too easily erect around ourselves. Throughout the Bible there is the recurring theme of “ do not fear “, and “ be of good cheer “. This glad reassurance occurs more, in both Old and New Testaments, than any reference to anxiety and guilt. Running through the whole is a continuous stream of praise and joyfulness and a throwing away of self engrossed protectiveness. In good and distressing times, Gods love and companionship never falters.

The Archbishop quoted from The Book of Proverbs at the Queen Mothers funeral “ Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at the time to come “ he spoke of such laughter going deeper than a good joke or a witty reply, but of reflecting an attitude of confident hope in the face of adversity and the unpredictable challenges of life “ Such laughter is rooted in the faith of Easter and the promises it brings “ Do not fear “ After Easter Jesus promised that he would not leave us alone, that he would send his Spirit, his comforter, and we celebrate that gift at Pentecost, which falls on May 19^th, its not a solemn festival, but an occasion on which to let down your hair and celebrate with laughter.