Since the release of the Fight Back With Joy book and Bible study, we’ve heard incredible stories of people poking holes in the darkness until it bleeds light. We’ve also been sent photos of people who are living out a defiant joy.
Take a moment to hunt for the hidden joy in each of these 10 photos.
First you must meet J. R. Harvey. Somewhere around 20 weeks pregnant, his parents discovered he had congenital heart disease, a defect that impacts 1 of 110 babies. It’s that common. (See Mended Little Hearts).
J.R.’s defect turned out to be among the most severe. In order to survive, the infant required three heart surgeries. The Harvey family committed to fighting back with joy…
…even when the surgeries led to complications.
But Momma Harvey turned his hospital room into a nursery and began knitting plush hats and animals—some as gifts for fellow hospital refugees.
These are images of a family fighting back with joy:
1. Iron Man
2. Bumble Bee
3. Super J.R. (My favorite)
4. Leaving the hospital
5. Or my sweet friend, Amanda, whose husband left her. Though depression tried to sink her, she fought back with joy by creating a one word declaration regarding her true identity above her bed:
May we all remember this beautiful truth of who we are at our core.
6. Or consider Annette McAllister Lewis (you can become her friend on Facebook to learn more of her story). When she discovered she had to endure four more months of chemotheraphy, she responded with a defiant joy.
She showed up at the doctor’s office ready to share toys, laughter, and hugs.
Blowing bubbles in the doctor’s office.
7. Wearing what she calls “cancer kickers,” Annette is embracing the discipline of celebration. On a recent treatment, she invited friends to wear their Converse and remember her in prayer.
She asked them to post pics of their happy feet on her Facebook wall. Feel free to add some of your own on her Facebook page Annette McAllister Lewis.
8. And then there’s the mighty duo of Fiona and Rhonda. They became inspired by Fight Back With Joy Bible Study and committed to searching high and low for the goodness of God. They are determined to toss joy bombs wherever they go.
Check out the license plate. If you see them on the road, you’ve been joy bombed!
9. Fiona, who has been battling brain cancer, discovered joy as weaponry in the midst of difficult medical appointments. To battle the downward spiral of anxiety and fear, she started a joke collection with doosies like this one…
So these two cannibals are eating a clown. One looks at the other and says… Does this taste funny to you?
You can read more of Fiona’s amazing story at: www.zevandfi.blogspot.com
10. Or consider my friend, Margot Starbuck, a talented writer and supermom. After her divorce, she fought back with joy with a one of a kind tree topper.
Read more of her story at her blog or become a fan on Facebook. www.MargotStarbuck.com or facebook.com/margotstarbuck
I went in on March 1st to have a very minor surgery ! Only to wake up with my whole life changed ! I had asperatied stomach acid into my lungs during surgery …. My heart was also injured ! I haven’t been able to walk more than 20 steps since ! I have been dependent on a wheel chair , lots of meds, and not many answers …. I have fought back with joy rather than depression !!! With a constant smile and never complaining !!! I tell everyone I see about Gods goodness ! I heard you speak at last years woman of joy conference !!! I am happy to announce with all joy I will see you again at the women of joy in Pigeon Forge next week !!! With that same smile and my blue wheel chair !!! Smiles are contagious !!!! God makes no mistakes ! Joy makes everything easier !!!