Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Home
Jewish
Health, Fitness and Religion
Choosing Joy Is a Holy Act of Defiance

Choosing Joy Is a Holy Act of Defiance

Last updated on: March 21, 2025 at 12:51 pm by Susan P Lax

0 Comments

Choosing Joy Is a Holy Act of Defiance 2025-03-21T12:51:10-04:00 Susan P Lax

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Choosing Joy Takes Courage

Can one choose joy in a world that is filled with uncertainty and turmoil?

When sorrow and sadness feel like the most natural and simplest response?

It can seem tempting- even familiar- to fall into the arms of hopelessness.

Especially when the news is filled with stories of war, injustice, fear and much suffering.

But choosing joy takes courage.

Joy Requires Intentional Practice

Despair can be a comfort zone for many.

The decision to step beyond it is a courageous one.

Joy requires a conscious decision, one that is followed by an intentional and active practice.

By choosing to bring joy into our moments, the heaviness of sorrow can begin to lessen.

And light can be seen amongst the darkness.

pink and white flowers

These moments secure our resilience verifying that even in these hardest of times, life still holds profound beauty and hope. | Photo -Susan P. Lax – Light Amid Darkness.

Joy can be experienced in limitless ways

Joy can be experienced in limitless ways:

• A calm walk in nature
• Listening to Music
• Creating through the arts,
• The powerful yet gentle exchange of a silent smile.
• Prayer and Meditation

These moments secure our resilience verifying that even in these hardest of times, life still holds profound beauty and hope.

A Moment of Courageous Joy

I had the emotional privilege, this morning, of embracing Eli Sharabi, an ex-Hamas hostage. His wife and two daughters were murdered on Oct 7th, he survived 491 days in captivity, chained.

I had protested for his return for months.

I was overwhelmed with emotion, as he stood before me.
Yet in a moment of vast grief and sorrow, I made a choice.
I chose joy- to share joy-not denying sadness but rather offering a better moment.
Sharabi smiled back, his courageous soul, chose a brief yet meaningful moment of joy.

Joy is a Declaration of Defiance.

To choose joy is a declaration of defiance against desolation.
• Joy supports the soul,
• It lifts the spirit
• Joy shines a light on hope.
Even when the world feels like its broken pieces are multiplying, joy reminds us that better times are possible.

I am creator of the “Morning Inspiration” series, which provides readers with reflections and thoughts to start their day with spiritual inspiration.

If you feel the calling to receive it you can do so HERE

More Voices

About Susan P Lax

When one of Susan’s closest friends was fighting cancer and had to focus on trying to heal, they didn’t speak as often as they once did. To make sure Stephanie knew that Susan was always thinking of her each day, Susan emailed her friend a healing, positive thought first thing in the morning. Slowly, Susan discovered an ability to translate her heart words into written ones and more and more people began to receive Susan’s “Morning Inspiration” which is from where her book, A HEART’S LANDSCAPE, derived. Right now, especially with all happening in the world, Susan offers deep reminders with words and warm visuals – to take a moment and just pause – get away from the inundation and put the chaos away. Susan’s heart words and inspiring visuals guide readers to take a moment and escape all adversity and focus on carving out one joyful moment with the hope that it will lead to other good moments. You can read more about the author here.

Previous Post

January 31, 2025

Havdalah in Hostage Square: Faith Overcomes Despair

Next Post

May 30, 2025 Faith in Humanity Is Hard Right Now—But I Choose It

What day did God rest during creation?

Select your answer to see how you score.

The first day The seventh day The sixth day The third day