How many times has someone told you to “Be Happy!” It’s not often that you will hear me talk about happiness. Why? Because happiness is fleeting and usually connected more to something outside of our being. In other words, when people do nice things for us, or we receive material items, usually happiness follows. After a while, we may be content but not necessarily happy. On the other hand, when we gain nothing but rather have disappointment in our life, we can have joy. Why? Because joy comes from what is within us and not external factors. Have you ever been in an emotional storm but still had joy? I have, but only because of Christ in my life.

Nevertheless, for some individuals, bits and pieces of happiness are better than nothing. Everyone does not know how to grasp joy and hold on to it regardless of what happens. So, in that case, until such time, “Be Happy!” Every day, I see how short life is. Our world increasingly presents so many challenges and hardships for us to face. Family breakdowns are rising due to broken relationships among spouses, children, and parents. Oh, how we do miss those happier days of the past. Without a doubt, life is changing daily.

As I conclude, dear ones, try not to let life get the best of you. Muster up all your strength to wear a smile on your face even when you don’t want to. Seek positive relationships with others and continue to enhance your relationship with God. I am a speaker of joy, but I like being happy, even for a short time. Sometimes a little dab will do until “joy comes in the morning.” Therefore, “Be Happy!” Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: Job 5:17. I’ll be back next week with a new post, “Something New!”

Be encouraged, and God bless!

Sister Jackie