Written by Dr. Nancy Meyer

Have you ever laughed so hard you almost forgot what you were worrying about?

That was me the day “I broke my friend out of jail.” Okay, not real jail — but it sure felt like it! She hadn’t been outside for anything other than doctor appointments or surgeries, and I could tell she needed a little fresh-air freedom.

Before we even started, she decided to roll off across the parking lot in her wheelchair! I had to chase her down while laughing the entire time. That moment set the tone for the day — full of laughter, joy, and a little bit of chaos.

Once I caught her, we hit the trail — and that’s when things got interesting. Between the sidewalk cracks and deep gravel, I almost dumped her out three times! I was terrified. She, on the other hand, laughed until she cried. “It’s okay!” she said. “I caught myself with my feet!”

That laughter stopped me in my tracks. It reminded me that joy and fear can exist side by side — and that faith has a way of steadying us through life’s bumps.

As we rolled along, she looked up at the trees and said, “I never realized how many different shapes and colors the leaves have.” That simple comment struck me. She couldn’t walk that day, but she was seeing more than ever before.

That’s when it hit me — sometimes God slows us down not to punish us, but to help us see differently. When life feels hard or limiting, maybe it’s just God changing our perspective — helping us notice the beauty we’ve been too busy to see.

That day reminded me that joy doesn’t depend on circumstances. It’s a choice. It’s a way of seeing life through God’s eyes, even when the path is rocky and the ride is unpredictable.

Thank you, Babs, for reminding me that laughter heals, friendship restores, and joy is always waiting — even in the bumps.

Defying Fear Verse

"A cheerful heart is good medicine."

- Proverbs 17:22

Defying Fear Principle