Homelessness…
I have spent most of my career working at a homeless shelter.
Volunteers are always surprised to hear laughter and see smiles.
People who have known hunger, cold and loneliness tend to have a deeper gratitude for food, warmth and conversation.
… and Cancer…
My wife is an eight-time cancer survivor who coaches people on their journey from diagnosis to remission (or not).
She and the people she coaches find joy in the little moments.
Cancer clarifies that life is nothing but little moments.
… and even Authoritarianism…
I spent a little while working on human rights in African dictatorships.
One day our offices in Zimbabwe were raided by the police. The next day we blasted U2 music and danced around the office.
In the face of oppression, joy is resistance.
… people find joy in the midst of suffering.
It is not a betrayal of the seriousness of suffering to find joy.
In fact, it is essential; Joy is oxygen to the human spirit.
Peace,
Ryan p.s. In honor of U2, here is my favorite cover of “With or Without You”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYw9E0bW9RE