Can’t take my joy away | Diversity Column

I was recently taken aback by the cover of an Esquire magazine where it had a picture of singer, producer and song-writer Pharrell Williams, who wrote the very popular Grammy award-winning song “Happy” (hope you have heard it). On the cover it shows Pharrell with a sad face while holding up a sign with a sad face on it. The title said “Make America Happy Again.”

I have to admit that after the election and inauguration, I wonder if “great again” actually means anything I can depend on, especially in areas where it counts: bringing us closer together, or making us safer or healthier or encouraging us to work for a greater good, not only here at home but in the world for all people. Admittedly, I never liked President Trump’s slogan “make America great again,” and yes, I really was proud to be part of an America driven by President Obama’s administration. But, my concern runs deeper than that. We are a nation that has been built by standing alongside visionary giants, many of whom have been trailblazers in the name of liberation, justice and reconciliation. We are a nation of immigrants that has grown both in stature and in influence by learning to struggle past our differences to build even greater and more inclusive communities. Yes, sometimes growing has been filled with struggle, but it has never been overcome by embracing fear, pondering to our worst thoughts about one another or fleeing to a perfect “before” that never really existed. I struggle with the reality that so many fellow Americans seemed to support or at least give a “pass” to — offensive and taunting rhetoric that seems to devalue women, minorities, the disabled, the LGBT community, immigrants and more. I do believe that there is a huge difference between using the “bully pulpit” of the office of the president to encourage a political agenda (an agenda that I would hope would help us create a better community and a better nation) and simply using the language of a bully. It does seem that fear, anger and frustration could easily drive us to a place of gloom, sadness or what even our newscasters have called a place of “darkness.” Is this why Pharrell held up the sad face?

Where did our “happy place” go?

What do I really mean by happy? Webster says happy is “feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.” Synonyms might be “light-hearted” or “care free,” particularly in the circumstances of one’s life. Happy can also mean “fortunate or convenient,” as if life were a “happy accident.” Happiness, then, is conditional and based on too many variables, only some of which are in our control.

The word “happy” also seems centered in the odd idea that we ought to be going about life both “light-hearted” and “content,” as if some of the most wonderful moments of our lives were not born out of challenge or struggle. Do those who are pursuing justice, liberation and reconciliation begin by being happy? Do we need to be happy in the progress of pursuing good? Do we expect every day of marriage or child rearing or even pursuing our dream job to make us light-hearted? Do we see it all as nothing more than a happy accident?

We must embrace and enjoy the moments of happiness and know that seasons of happiness will come and go. But one’s goal should be the constant possession of joy. Joy “is stronger and a less common feeling than happiness.” Joy is a deep feeling that is rooted in something more of substance. For me, joy is greater than happiness because its center is rooted in my faith in God.

To quote Rick Warren, “Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.” In that understanding, I find hope and a real-time vision that I am called to partner change, struggle and the longing for goodness. I don’t have to be successful each day or even content along the way, but I can be filled with joy, that what little I can offer actually does have purpose and meaning. Darkness is never overcome by darkness.

Darkness dissipates in the presence of the light. I can be light and encourage people around me to live as light. Joy and happiness can co-exist, but when happiness grows thin, I must tenaciously hold on to joy!

In the midst of a condition that may challenge happiness, I can choose to trust; I can choose to not be overrun by circumstance; and I can remember that I am never in any of these circumstances alone. First, God is the author of my joy. God empowers people to do the right things; enables them to make right changes; and God has chosen me — and you — to be joy for others. Second, I trust that prayer will foster compassion, truth, justice and reconciliation. I will pray for our president and for our nation. I will pray that wherever hearts must change that there will be change. Wherever justice has been denied, justice will overcome. I pray that each change of heart will be followed by actions that could lead toward forgiveness, healing unity and peace. Each day offers us, and the president of the United States, an opportunity to decide to be there for others, to do good, to be light and to fill the world with happiness. If that day comes, I will be thankful. Should I face disappointment, I still wake up each morning to a new hope, and I will choose to live in joy. Humans may fail. Jesus will not, and in that hope we will overcome.

David Johnson is the pastor at TriWorship Covenant Church – Multi Ethnic Faith Community. He can be contacted at 206-861-3844, daaron2001@gmail.com and on Twitter at @Daaron1980.