Joy is Power

Finding joy in times of trouble, the musings of the Dr. Johnny Lake

WORDS BY | DR. JOHNNY LAKE

“The word that love is stronger than hate and goes beyond death is a great disclosure to one who has found that when he keeps open the door to his heart, it matters not how many doors are closed against him.” -Howard Thurman

Joy is power. African Americans have faced difficult times in America for generations and still found joy in good times and in times of trouble. Do not forget our African Americans ancestors. Study African American history. It is a central part of America’s history. They survived enslavement, segregation, Jim Crow laws and more, while being incredibly resourceful and creative. They were able to find joy underneath very oppressive conditions and left a powerful history of their presence, resilience and contributions in America. They contributed art, philosophy, law, technology, science, religion, and many other contributions, including an original American music form, the blues, rooted in African American spiritual and work songs.

African Americans come from strong people who made it through hard times and hard places. A people who found joy in their struggle and overcame difficult challenges, who found peace and showed love in the midst of turmoil and hate. Despite the burdens they faced, African American communities developed a powerful culture that, not only survived, but embraced joy and love in good times and in challenging times.

Joy in times of trouble, is a spiritual gift based on our choices, and our relationships to a higher power or deity and to others close to us. True joy is informed by deep faith, love and commitment to ourselves, to our families and community. Joy is divine. African Americans demonstrated the true meaning and spiritual power of faith, trust and belief in “things not yet seen” or demonstrated. In the darkest times, this faith resulted in a type of spiritual power that could not be denied and opened many doors.

Joy may not always be about oneself, but can be about others’ contentment also. Joy and happiness are wonderful feelings to experience, but are different. Joy is cultivated internally, despite external circumstances or situations one may face. It comes when you make peace with who you are, why you are and how you are. Feeling spiritually connected to a deity or to a people brings joy. Joy is not tied to external circumstances, but can be embraced in all circumstances. We can cultivate joy in good times and in times of trouble.It can be challenging to find joy. But love and caring for ourselves and others, helping those in need, and demonstrating gratitude and thankfulness are ways to increase your joy.

The first step towards joy, is providing for ourselves, those who depend upon us, and our community, as our ancestors did. I remember the field days and family reunions that were celebrations of African American families and community. Knowing and celebrating our history is an important step to joy. African Americans have endured much and received many blessings and miracles, but not always the answer in the way we think. Recognizing how we have faced challenges in the past, we have nothing to fear for the future. We have many models to learn from and emulate. We have faith and know that our efforts will benefit us and those we love and cherish. This powerful faith in self and love for others is at the core of the spiritual connection to joy. The opposite of joy is fear while the opposite of happiness is unhappiness. Do not fear. The doors are open wider now than they have ever been in the history of the United States for African Americans. Can we get through them? Our ancestors say yes we can!

Here are five things that can increase the joy in your life:

1.

2.

3.

4. Meditation- tap into your heart rather than your head, your intuition rather than your thinking. Listen more closely to what brings you joy. Practice daily expressing gratitude, thankfulness and appreciation for things that bring you joy. Cut down on social media- Limit social media. It influences what we ‘should like/do/have/buy’ and may bring us lots of “things” but often does not bring us joy. Be present and be responsible. Treasure and nurture your meaningful relationships and friendships. Reach out to the less able or less fortunate. The best use of any privilege or resource is to use it to help others. This brings tremendous joy. Learn more about African American history and culture. Share with others.