Tanya M. Wilson
360You
My sister invited me to go with her to Charleston recently to visit with some of her friends. A little hesitation tried to side track me because these were not people I knew. But as it turned out, I enjoyed myself more than I ever imagined. As a matter of fact, I don’t know when I have laughed as much.
What started as a simple day of getting together for a cookout, turned into so much more. It is always interesting to me, when you think you are going for one reason, and the Lord has a whole other plan. Despite what some of my churchy folks would say, the spirit of the Lord can be at the barbeque!
Even though I had never met this family, the warm embrace that they each offered freely was just wonderful. It reminded me of family gatherings back in the neighborhood when we were coming up.
Chef Rick was in the kitchen mixing up some eats that would challenge most restaurants. And the mother of the house was buzzing around, occasionally taking time out to sit and share a laugh around the kitchen table.
After we ate, and retired to the living area, auntie served as our in home radio personality with the sounds of Motown and other old school artist ringing out. One, two, three of us were making our way to the make shift dance floor, aka, the living room sofa space. All the moves of the past were gliding across the floor. There was swaying, hand dancing and of course the electric slide. We were having a blast!
There was so much laughter and smiles amongst us. I had no idea in our midst were two people, one in remission from cancer and the other standing against it.
As we were leaving, the family confessed that they hadn’t had a laugh and a good time like that in such a long time. The day to day challenges they had been facing left them weary on most days. They were happy we came, and we were even happier to have been invited.
Looking back, I am so happy that I did not put limits on the Lord. Even though I have friends that would have been challenged by our dancing, to see those that were dealing with their troubles up, moving and having good clean fun, let me know that we were in the right place at the right time, participating in the ministry of healing.
Many in the medical field have reported that a positive attitude and a dose of laughter can lead to positive outcomes. Add to that Proverbs 17:22(NIV) which says, A Cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Charleston, I’ll be back!!
Tanya is an inspirational speaker and writer living in Charlotte. You can friend her on Facebook or email her at tw360you@aol.com. Read more columns by Tanya Wilson.
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