In this episode of The Yarn Podcast, BYU-Idaho adjunct faculty member and professional storyteller Mo Reynolds shares a story from the Appalachian Mountains, a diverse and beautiful location. It shares a lesson about how when someone can laugh despite their problems, it can make the problems feel smaller.
“Rumor is there are giants involved, but I have my doubts. Jack beamed at the sheriff. Well, sir, what if I told you I could track down those giants and everything they've taken? Anything in it for me? The sheriff clapped Jack on the back and laughed. Well, Jack, I figure we can give you half of whatever they've taken as a reward for helping us get rid of them. They shook on it and Jack led the sheriff to the giants door,” Reynolds said in the story.
This lesson can also be applied to real life as Reynolds shares a story from Joseph B. Wirthlin, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“Laughing, that good, pure, real laughter that makes you cry and smile at the same time, can be a fruit of the Spirit. I believe Heavenly Father is joyful. I believe Jesus Christ laughs and smiles. Men are that they might have joy. True, pure laughter never comes at the expense of anyone else. It comes from a place of real joy and clean humor,” Reynolds shared.
If you want to contact her, click here.
If you want a copy of the stories, click these links.
https://www.amazon.com/Southern-Jack-Tales-Donald-Davis/dp/0874835003