Obeying This Is Easy and Fun: Thou Shalt Laugh (Series Review)

Billie Jo YoumansBy Billie Jo Youmans6 Minutes

The creators of Thou Shalt Laugh bring holy humor to the Christian community with this five-part comedy album. You might say this series proves that redemption is possible. Stand-up comedy doesn’t have the best reputation. In modern day, it tends to be curse-filled and crude. Historically, its roots are in minstrel shows that mocked African-Americans. But with Thou Shalt Laugh Grace Hill Media restores comedy to its highest purpose: uniting hearts in joy-filled laughter at the idiosyncrasies of life.

Life is funny if you look through the right lens, and the comedians of Thou Shalt Laugh share their unique wit in situations ranging from unwrapping Christmas toys to finding that special someone. You’ll never look at things the same way after entering into the comedic realm with the likes of Michael Jr., Joby Saad, and Taylor Mason.

Each episode of the collection features a diverse set of comedians performing before a live audience. Hosted by such dynamic personalities as Patricia Heaton (“Everybody Loves Raymond”), John Tesh (“Entertainment Tonight”) and comedic greats like Chonda Pierce (the Queen of Clean), and Sinbad, each Thou Shalt Laugh offers fresh fun for viewers.

The lineup is impressive. Here’s a sampling of the comedians you will enjoy:

Jeff Allen—A comedian who has elicited laughter from millions, Jeff is versatile and hilarious, yet often profound. His Dry Bar Comedy videos have racked up over 400 million views, and he was the featured performer at George W Bush’s inauguration and the National Prayer Breakfast – twice!). His humor typically centers on the creative challenges of marriage and life with teenagers, but everyone can relate to his comic take on day-to-day life.

Taylor Mason—A performer in multiple episodes of Thou Shalt Laugh, Taylor Mason is a man of many talents, and his hilarity infuses every one of them. A ventriloquist, comedian, entertainer, author, puppeteer, pianist, and entertainer, Mason delight audiences where ever he goes. Laughter erupts whether he’s on the Huckabee show or entertaining corporate giants like Microsoft or Wal-Mart. Best of all, he keeps his observations out of the bathroom and the bedroom, choosing instead to craft wholesome fun for all to enjoy.

Joby Saad—Captivated by the story of Harry Houdini, Joby Saad began performing in his pre-teen years. With a father who built TV sets and a mom in the art department of Opryland, Joby had a constant supply of props for his neighborhood magic shows. Tricks that failed to work provided the perfect opportunity for the laughter he truly craved. Saad went on to create his own television series, “Vidiots,” in a silent, vaudeville-style and performs everywhere from Broadway to Sunset Boulevard. You can also see him in Dry Bar Comedy, Chonda Pierce Stand Up for Families on Dove, and various other locations. His podcast Story Talks shares inspiring stories with a touch of comedy, and always Saad delivers clean, funny, insightful content.

There are a dozen more great comedians to enjoy on Thou Shalt Laugh. Richard Rossi, Thor Ramsey, Lisa Alvarado, Victoria Jackson, Rex Havens, and Tim Conway. The entire family will enjoy this collection of comedians. Give yourself the gift of laughter and tune in.

A Little Deeper

So, is laughter really good medicine? Both science and scripture agree: YES! Laughing unites people and triggers healthy physical changes that improve emotions, reduce pain, and strengthen the immune system. Look at this list of benefits helpguide.org attributes to the simple gift of laughter:

  • Relaxes your muscles
  • Reduces stress hormones
  • Increases happy hormones
  • Protects your heart
  • Burns calories
  • Diffuses anger
  • Strengthens relationships

Some claim that children laugh more than 300 times a day while adults only manage eight moments of laughter. Thou Shalt Laugh can level us up with the young ones!

Scripture touts the power of a merry heart, too. The simple truth of the Gospel gives us great cause for rejoicing—and that frees the heart to laugh even more. Here’s some more encouragement to gather some friends, take a break, and fill it with laughter.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them (Psalm 126:2).”

A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed (Proverbs 15:13 ESV).

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones (Proverbs 17:22).

And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun (Ecclesiastes 8:15 ESV).

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice (Philippians 4:4 ESV).

So, there you have it! Honor God by watching Thou Shalt Laugh!