The first time I ever saw this picture of Jesus laughing, I was transfixed.
There’s life in it.
And even now, I still respond to His expressive joy. I laugh. He laughs. He knows how I feel!
This idea that Jesus knows us isn’t just a concept; it’s actually for real (Whoa!), which isn’t quite how I feel when I see a “typical” portrait of Jesus, the kind that defines the image I carry with me when I imagine or speak with Christ.
But now, after two years @compassion (Happy anniversary to me today.), I see Jesus a lot differently. And I see poverty differently.
This is poverty transformed. Do you see the similarities?
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This is a really cool post, Chris. I’m struck still by that picture of Jesus, too. And the following pictures are pure magic. Thanks for giving me some encouraging perspective on this gray and cool day.
I remember a pastor sharing about how children were so drawn to Jesus. he said that Jesus must have been a happy person, because so many children wouldn’t likely have been drawn in such numbers to someone who was so serious. He said that Jesus probably laughed a lot and that he was someone the children would see as a friend. I love that picture f the laughing Jesus. My pastors’ message got me thinking about Jesus in a different way. As Amy said, too often, picture portray Jesus as serious and solemn.
I love the visual Bible’s depiction of Christ in “The Visual Bible: Matthew”. That’s the image of Jesus I like to think about – laughing, smiling, happy, playing with the children and taking time for them. There’s this one scene of Jesus teaching and a little girl is laughing and tugging on him and he starts laughing right along with her – so sweet.
Well there ya go friends. I’m a clumsy, sweaty and sensitive guy. 🙂
Thanks for all the happy anniversary wishes.
Happy Anniversary…thanks for all your hard work – bringing Compassion to us!
These are beautiful pictures…love it!
Happy Anniversary!
I’m sure I speak for more than just myself when I say THANKS for working so hard on this blog. All your blood, sweat and tears is making a huge difference in a lot of lives. 🙂
I know, Jesus is smiling down on us, when we are being a blessing to his children!! He gets overjoyed, when a child sits down, and reads words of happiness!! Realizig, it is hope, in GOd’s children lives!!
Yes I think we make Jesus laugh a lot and very sad too!!!!!!!
You know, I never thought of that! All the pictures of Jesus are so serious, which is doing a discredit to who He is. I bet He is up in heaven smiling like He is in that picture every time a little child living in poverty finds a reason to smile.
Happy anniversary, Chris! Bear with me – I have a story, I’ll try to keep it short. I was recently on a mission trip with our church’s youth group and one of the days we assisted with a children’s program. In the morning we hopped on a school bus and drove around picking up children to bring to the program. I sat next to a little girl named Tiara. She was 5 but looked more like 3. I tried to engage her in conversation, asking questions about her and her family but she met my questions with angry silence or short, terse answers. She clearly was in no mood to talk to me and just wanted to stare out the window. So I left her alone and when we got to the center we went our separate ways, she to her classroom, me off with the older kids. During the morning the kids had a worship service, a good lunch, some game time and ended with bible lessons and verse memorization. While waiting for the bus to come to take them back home the kids were allowed to play on the playground. Shortly after I got outside with the older kids my legs were tackled from behind. I turned around to see Tiara hugging me fiercely and looking up at me with the biggest, happiest smile. She literally tried to climb up my body so I sat down on the ground and she climbed into my lap and didn’t leave it until the bus came. She was talkative and loving and happy, a totally different child. Later that night I was reflecting on Tiara and it hit me what a transformation she had after spending just a few hours in the midst of Christ’s love. I pray that everyone has the chance to experience that love and happiness.
So True! I often show potential sponsors pictures of our “kids”- the original CP one and then one of the later ones….There is such a marked difference in their eyes and smiles! It truly is a transformation.