Laughing Out Loud

Outside observers might say that events often seem to conspire to shape my blog posts. My fellow brothers and sisters in Christ might say that I seem led by the Holy Spirit. I’m more of the opinion that I’m just open and available to be nudged… from time to time… by God’s Spirit. Certainly, I’m alive, but I’m energized, creative, and more full of joy during those times when I’m “alive” in God’s Spirit.

This week, my friend Kathi Avarbuch sent me a link to a funny video. It was political, as a lot of her stuff often is, but it was clean and funny. So I decided to see if the comedian who made it had any other material; did he ever! The video Kathi sent me was called The Government Can, but I soon found dozens of other clips from this very funny guy: Tim Hawkins. I was intrigued. It was obvious from the clips that this guy performed in front of large crowds. He was as well received in a corporate function as he was in a church venue. Who was he? Why hadn’t I heard of him?

Well, I’m pretty good at researching stuff, so I did find out all kinds of stuff about this funny Tim Hawkins guy. There is plenty to see on his site, but YouTube is also awash in his videos; reposted over and over by a growing fan base. His Bio describes him as follows:

Tim Hawkins has been accused of being equally gifted and twisted. Whatever your take, he has indeed become one of the most in-demand comics in the country. His arsenal is unique: high energy stand-up, physical comedy, slick guitar skills, a thousand faces and voices, improvisational chops. It all combines to create an insane comedy experience. And yes, the guy can really sing. “People think I live a rock-star life”, said Hawkins. “Believe me, Mick Jagger never gets lost in a Hertz parking lot looking for his Ford Focus.”

With 4 kids of his own and a wife who is winning her battle with breast cancer, Hawkins gets new material daily from the perils of marriage and parenting. But it must be difficult to work clean all the time, right? “Clean comedy is easy. Funny comedy is hard.” So does Tim think he’s funny? “I'm not bragging, but one time I told a joke in front of a dead bird, and it flew away. And you can Google that.”

From the testimonials I’ve read, Tim is an awesome (and surprising) witness! Yes, surprising. Most people who are not Christian… and a good many people who consider themselves to BE Christian… find it hard to believe that Christians can be fun; let alone FUNNY! I’m sharing a clip of Tim Hawkins that is actually more of a public service spot. I think it’s hilarious! You men out there… take note!



At a time when so many of our churches are struggling with dwindling attendance numbers, Tim Hawkins is playing to sold out churches (and other venues). His on-stage witness is funny, and kind of drive-by, but it gets people thinking, and asking:

“Dude… seriously… you’re a Christian?”

Let’s see… which do you think will attract more people:

a) A bunch of rules and a load of guilt, or
b) A bunch of funny stories people can relate to and a load of laughter?

For all of you who answered “a)”, please check your wallet, because you are probably a card-carrying Pharisee. Jesus shocked and upset the religious norms of his day. Jesus calls us to bring the “Good News” to the world… not the “gloomy news”… not the “You-can’t-live-up-to-this news”… and definitely NOT the “boring news.” Laughter may not be joy, but laughter can bring people closer to experiencing joy than depression or boredom.

When people also ask me:

“Dude… seriously… you’re a Christian?”

And then they want to know more about this Jesus I’m so passionate about, then I know the Holy Spirit is alive in my life and my soul.

I may not be as funny as Tim Hawkins, but I am still…
Your brother in Christ,

Dave

BTW, you can find a bunch of videos (and plenty of other stuff) by Tim Hawkins on his site at:

http://timhawkins.net/