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

Susan Sparks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 24, 2010

Laughter was honored by the ancients as a spiritual healing tool and celebrated by the world's great religions. So why aren't we laughing along the spiritual path today? What would happen if we did?
In this personal and funny look at humor as a spiritual practice, Rev. Susan Sparks--an ex-lawyer turned comedian and Baptist minister--presents a convincing case that the power of humor radiates far beyond punch lines. Laughter can help you:

* Remove the fearful mask of a God who doesn't laugh
* Debunk the myth that you don't deserve joy
* Find perspective when faced with adversity
* Exercise forgiveness for yourself and others
* Reclaim play as a spiritual practice
* Heal--emotionally, physically and spiritually
* Keep your faith when God is silent
* Live with elegance, beauty and generosity of spirit

Whatever your faith tradition--or if you have none at all--join this veteran of the punch line and the pulpit in reclaiming the forgotten humor legacy found in thousands of years of human spiritual history.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Like music, laughter is a universal language. And Susan Sparks speaks this language like no other. [This book] weaves humor and the sacred into one beautiful work of art. If you want to blast some fresh air into your spiritual life, then by all means read this book!" --Naomi Judd, multi-platinum country music artist; actress; author, Naomi's Guide to Aging Gratefully and other books

About the Author

Rev. Susan Sparks, the only female comedian in the country with a pulpit, is senior pastor of the historic Madison Avenue Baptist Church in New York City. She has been featured on ABC, PBS and CNN, as a regular guest with country music star Naomi Judd on Naomi's New Morning on the Hallmark Channel, in the New York Times, and in numerous comedy clubs. She was recently honored by Intersections International for her interfaith work to promote justice, reconciliation and peace among diverse communities.

Product Details

• Paperback: 138 pages
• Publisher: Skylight Paths Pub; 1 edition (May 24, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594732809
• ISBN-13: 978-1594732805
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,561 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #34 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Humor > Religion
  • #99 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Humor > Self-Help & Psychology

More About the Author

Rev. Susan Sparks, the only female comedian in the country with a pulpit, is senior pastor of the historic Madison Avenue Baptist Church in New York City (and the first woman pastor in its 160-year history). She is not only a ordained minister and stand-up comedian, but also a lawyer, a breast cancer survivor and a world traveler who worked at Mother Teresa's mission in Calcutta, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and rode across the country on a Harley Davidson motorcycle. These and many other stories are shared in her new book, Laugh Your Way to Grace: Reclaiming the Spiritual Power of Humor.

Rev. Sparks has been featured in O (The Oprah) Magazine, the New York Times, ABC, CNN and as a regular guest with country music star Naomi Judd on Naomi's New Morning on the Hallmark Channel. When she isn't preaching from her pulpit, or lecturing around the country, or doing her stand-up act in numerous comedy clubs, including the famous Caroline's in New York, she's busy teaching a comedy course to clergymen and women of every faith. Find out more at www.susansparks.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Still contemplating....still laughing. June 4, 2010

By Edward L. Beck

Format:Paperback

Susan Sparks has done the remarkable: She has written a book that is touching, informative and funny, all at the same time. She has a skilled way of making spiritual and theological concepts accessible to every reader. You will learn something about yourself, others and God from this book. And more importantly, you will have a clearer glimpse into a God who who laughs with us, all the time cheering us on to deeper insights and more fulfilling life. I am in Susan debt for helping me see the God I worship is also one I smile with, and indeed laugh with. God seems closer to me as a result of reading this book. Fr. Edward L. Beck, C.P.
[...].

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars buy this book June 4, 2010

By rhb

Format:Paperback

Just devoured this book whole... it is wise, wonderful, and a joy to read... think Anne Lamott meets David Sedaris. Incredible!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow, do we need this book these days! June 4, 2010

By Peter M. Wallace

Format:Paperback

Anyone who has ever seen a baby erupt with belly laughs knows that we humans were created to laugh, no matter how messy our diapers are. God obviously has a sense of humor, but somehow in the process of trying to live our lives as faithful people we've managed to smother a lot of God-sparked joy.

So thank God for Susan Sparks! By immersing ourselves in her honest insights, her warm encouragement, and her hysterical stories, we're able to shatter the crust around our hearts that has kept us from fully experiencing the grace of life as God intended.

-- Peter Wallace, host and producer of the weekly national radio program "Day1," and author of "Living Loved: Knowing Jesus as the Lover of Your Soul"