Ministry of The Smile

I happen to speak to so many people in the course of my day; these days. People have a million things to share with you; you will be amazed. Sometimes all one wants is someone to genuinely listen to them as they whine. And that makes them feel way better.  About two years ago, I used to be closed up and just refused to speak to people. I believed I was an introvert. This is what my mind used to tell me, but I knew who I was and truthfully, I wasn't a closed up person. I love people, I love being around people, I enjoy being with people and I love enjoying good laughter.

The sadness I felt was brought about by some events in my life which made me upset; deeply upset with the world. But the world was not responsible, just a few people here and there were responsible for how I felt.  And the few times I smiled then, was all plastic. I was hiding lots of pain behind my smile. I pretended to be happy then, but my heart was in pain. When I was alone, all the sadness came rushing through.

After lots of soul searching, I came up with a solution.       
That I shall not allow anyone to steal  my joy.


Who are they anyway that they have this power over me.  You see the enemy has a way of stealing our joy. The Bible in John 10:10 even warns us that the thief comes to steal and kill and destroy. It can be the smallest things that we get upset about, e.g. having a bad hair day, you missed and appointment because someone delayed you, your car wont start, your loved one didn't give you a call back, anything! And at times it can be very significant things; a death, a broken relationship, a broken marriage, sickness or lost job etc. Such things bring deep sorrows to our lives.  But then to find true happiness, you must rise above these circumstances and take charge of your life. Just like I did. 

And of course the enemy is not excited when you make changes in your life and you embrace more meaningful routines in life. The enemy is not happy when you are no longer wasting your life way. He is not. Same verse in the Bible continues to say that Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly. What is life if not Joy?  But don't get me wrong, as Christians, we still face hard times and downtimes. But the contentment of knowing that Christ seats on the throne of Mercy, we are comforted. And all the peace that comes with this knowledge is what Im calling joy. That even in our darkest hour, we are still joyous and we still give thanks for we know it is only for a moment that we are in the thick of things. Soon or later it will go away. 

This is the secret I discovered and from the beginning of this year, my other new year's resolution was that I shall be happy, joyous and full of life. For why should I be anxious? Philipians 4:6 - Do not be anxious! Believe you me, it is not easy not to be anxious. As human beings, we want to take control over everything! And that is what I realize when I speak to so many people these days. Many have asked me why I'm always so happy without a care in the world when everything around me seems to be crumbling and my response to them has always been, "even if I worry, what difference does it make? I might as well be happy." Nehemiah 8:10 - The joy of the Lord is my Strength. Do you know you actually feel physically stronger when you are happy? try it! But then try to be in deep sorrow and you can actually be indisposed. When your have a positive attitude, you feel strong to face the world. 

Then soon I discovered how just a smile can make someone's day! Try greeting someone with a smile each morning. Find out, and genuinely so, how they are, how their family is doing and probably that is all that person needed that day. They will go through the day feeling much better. This is what I call The Ministry of the Smile. A smile draws people to you. A smile draws love and warmth towards you. A smile will always make people feel better.  People love to be where there is genuine concern for them. They will even pray and thank God for you; what a blessing! The Ministry of the Smile actually is not necessarily for the other people per se, but for you. You feel better, you feel at peace that you genuinely care for other people. Majority of the time you will receive positive feedback from people when you genuinely smile and love on them. Hug someone and basically let them know that you care about them. However, do not be disappointed when your smile is returned with a cold stare or when you constantly try to love someone and all you get is a cold shoulder; your love is not reciprocated.  You cannot please the whole world, but be at peace with yourself and your God and most importantly remember to smile at yourself. 

Let's change the world with the Ministry of the Smile.

Lots of Love

dn