Laughter and Tears: Living both sides of life

by Skip Coryell

Pain will always change you. It will make you better, or it will make you worse. The key to growing through that pain, is your positive response. It is your choice. You, alone, decide. M. Scott Peck, in his now-famous book The Road Less Traveled made the following A wise man welcomes pain and sees it as a way to grow. During my first divorce, I clung to that saying, milking it for all it was worth, using it to help me grow as much as possible. But by the time my second divorce rolled around, I was so tired of pain, that I cried like a baby. I lashed out. I revolted. No! I don t want to grow anymore! Please God, let me stay a fool! But God, our loving father, calmly stroked the furled brow of my heart and said, Relax child. Just relax. You don t have to be perfect. You just have to survive. Relax, and I will help you. And God did help me, but in the most unexpected way. God taught me how to laugh. While growing through my pain, I accumulated a smidgen of wisdom and perspective, and these two traits pointed me to joy and laughter - the other side of life. Laughter and tears are the medicinal balm of life. They both heal, empower, and exhort, but they were created to be mutually inclusive. They are two sides of the same coin. To have one and not the other is to go through life with a lop-sided personality. All tears and you may end up hopelessly bitter and morose. Conversely, too much laughter, and you may dance through life, never growing wise, never grappling with the eternal questions of Why . Laughter and tears are beautiful gifts from God. Liken them to a pair of wonderful shoes. If you wear one, without the other, the best you can hope for is to limp along through life, doing less than what God intended for you. But if you can merge the two, incorporate both of them appropriately into your life, then you will be freed to live life fully and to better serve others. And now, I wish you the best, as you laugh and cry your way through God s gift of life.

215 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Skip Coryell now lives with his wife and children in Michigan. He works full time as a professional writer, and “The God Virus” is his eighth published book. He is an avid hunter and sportsman, a Marine Corps veteran, and a graduate of Cornerstone University.

Reviews

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Skip's book. He made me laugh with his humorous way of writing. I felt empathy for some of his situations throughout his life and it also made me remember some of mine. Skip wrote about a lot of things that made me stop and reflect on situations of my past and even sometimes my future. He has shared a lot of his life lessons that also made me stop and think of mine. I really enjoyed his book and appreciate him being so open and honest about his life! Good job Skip!! This book was won through Goodreads giveaway and I am so thankful for this program! Thank you Goodreads and thank you Skip!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

GOODREADS FIRST READS WIN: When I first got this book and saw that it was an autobiography about a man I have never heard of (sorry Skip), I could only hope I would make it through the book.

I actually enjoyed the book very much. It is a short book, only 161 pages, so I read it in one day. First, I did enjoy and appreciate the biblical references and some of the stories that alluded to the Bible, biblical characters, or people in Skip's life, such as his grandmother who led him to Christ. I am Christian, so, of course, this was all good to me.

I really loved the story "My First Cat Autopsy," even though I am not a cat lover! The story exemplified how God can come to us and wrap His arms around us in varied and unknown ways. We just have to be open and pay attention.

Another favorite story of mine is "My White Feather Dream" in which the lesson is driven home that, no matter what, we should never give up our dreams.

"My Dream Come True" had me literally cracking up aloud. I am not an author, but I can imagine the frustration of trying to write within a time schedule.

"Old People" reminded me of my own father who was in WW II and the Korean War. He recently passed away (March 13, 2012) and we were able to give him a military burial. What a beautiful service it was. Now I am the oldest generation of my family, and I know I could never fill Mom and Dad's shoes. I love the way that Coryell gives honor to the elderly. Thank you, Skip.

Finally, all I can say regarding the stories is "Sergeant Johnson" is a MUST read! Laughed my butt off! Very personal, taking a risk there, Skip, but it worked for me...making me laugh to tears, that is.

Yes, this is a book you will want to read. It is thought-provoking (whether you're Christian or not), inspiring, encouraging, and this man gives his readers a real eye's view (not of Sergeant Johnson!) and a glimpse into his life.

[Kat Ice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I took one star off just because it was not my type of book and another because I felt like there were to many random things.
I did enjoy the book but there was a lot of "God" stuff in it and I just dont like reading about it. But that is just my opinion, if you like it then you would love this book.
I did love how it felt like he was just talking to me rather then telling me and I loved all of the life questions, it really made me think about my life. That was great! Another thing I didn't really like was all of the pictures that are in it. I really loved how he had it like a journal but I think he should have thought a little bit more about how he wanted the book to flow.
But all in all this was a great book for looking at your life!

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have liked to rated this 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of Laughter & Tears from Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

This was a very good book. Short and filled with great insight. My favorite was "If you haven't yet married, choose wisely. Some mistakes are easily forgiven and carry little consequence. But marrying the wrong person can set off a chain of pain that lasts for generations. Be careful."

This was a quick and easy read. I felt Skip Coryell wrote with his heart on his sleeve. The only thing that I could have had less of was the "God" factor. I am a spiritual person, but the book contained a little too much for me.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book free through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. This was a good book. Short and wonderful. Was able to read quickly but liked it anyway. It is always special when an author writes a book very personal, it makes the book very passionate and lively. You can tell when an author put his or her heart and soul into a book and Skip Coryell did just that. When an author gives you a glimpse into their life you can tell the book is wrote with love and passion. You really see the pain, struggle, and happinesses the author has lived through.

[David Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free from the Goodreads first-read giveaway. Great little book that has a spot-on title. It really is about the joy and sadness that can happen in your life. Some religion, but it dosen't beat you over the head with it. Very quick and easy to read and very funny in spots (ROUS). Gets my rare 5 star rating.

[Jean Konieczny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pieces of the authors life, put together to form a lesson. There are funny stories, sad stories, and some that I could completely relate too. Definitely a Christian book, very interesting.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently reading this one and so far, so good! I think I will take my time and read a chapter a night before I go to bed! I enjoyed this book very much and will now pass it on to my mother.