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Why I Choose Joy

Joy can last you through all of life, including the ups & downs.

Rachael Palmer

Jan 30, 2017

Roanoke College

Teruhide Tomori

According to the Oxford Dictionary, the word joy has two main meanings. It can be used as a noun to mean a "feeling of great pleasure or happiness" and also as a verb to mean "rejoice." Joy is happiness that is overflowing SO MUCH that you can't help but rejoice! How great is that? Your heart becomes so full that it overflows onto God and others and I think that is one of the most beautiful traits someone can have, being joyful.

What are some things that make you feel joy? Is it reading a Bible verse that speaks to your heart in such a way that you feel encouraged to share it with others? Is it something as simple as finishing your homework an hour earlier than expected and praising God for it? My desire is to feel joy in everything and anything. Because, let's be real, God is someone to always rejoice over.

Sometimes you may feel like there is nothing good left to be joyful about. You may be saddened by the way the world is, you may feel alone and isolated, or you may even be extremely brokenhearted. But I dare you to find the positive in this.

As James 1, verses 2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Yes, your current situation might not be ideal. You might be under a weight or pressure or pain that feels unbearable. But hold on. Stay joyful thinking about how much stronger you will be after this trial ends. Also, know that Jesus went through everything you ever have and ever will go through, and now He's sitting at the right hand of God. As he says in John 16:33, "In this world you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." In all your trials be joyful that Jesus died on the cross for us that one day we may join Him with God in Heaven. Be happy in this and rejoice to our Maker!

This is why I have decided to choose joy. I choose joy because I know one day all the sorrow of this fallen world will end. I know one day my spirit will be united with God and Jesus. I know one day, everything will be more than just okay. And to me, that is more than worth being happy and rejoicing about.

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Why I Choose Joy

Joy can last you through all of life, including the ups & downs.

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All names should be "unisex names."

1. Communicating via email can be awkward.

2. Appointments usually accompany weird looks.

3. Introducing yourself to someone is never without a hitch.

4. You’ve probably thought about changing your name.

5. You’re often asked why you have the name you do.

6. You get excited when you meet someone of your gender with your name.

7. You feel awkward when you meet someone of the opposite gender with your name.

8. You’ve had someone say to you, “I knew a [your name], but they were [your opposite gender].”

9. You’ve heard a bad joke/pick-up line or two about your name before.

10. People are surprised when they see you.

11. You’re extra sensitive to other unique or unisex names.

12. You’ve fought with your parents about it.

13. All things considered, you’re happy your name makes you unique.

You know that all of these things apply to you. You'll just never tell.

I get it... I'm pale.

1. At least I can't lose you in a crowd!

2. Oh my goodness your skin is like glow-in-the-dark.

3. Can't you just get fake tan?

4. Do you tan or just burn?

5. Your kids are going to look like Casper the Friendly Ghost!

6. *holds arm against your arm* Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. *holds pale arm against another pale arm* Aw, at least you're darker than her!

8. I laid out by the pool almost every day over break!

9. I haven't used sunscreen since I was, like, five.

10. *adjusts selfie lighting to their face* Oops, where'd you go??

11. *after working out* Your face is SO red!

12. *wears white* Look! You're all one color!

13. You need to get some sun.

14. Aren't you excited for summer?

The struggle bus is real.

1. Child prodigies:

2. Hearing other musicians in the practice room next door and accepting that you will never be as talented as them:

3. That anxiety that takes over before every performance:

4. Taking a million 0 credit classes:

5. When there's a paper due the next day, but you have to attend yet another concert in order to pass a 0 credit class:

6. When your friends try to encourage you after a performance, even though you are criticizing everything in your mind:

7. Knowing that there's always that one professor during juries:

8. The oh-so-attractive band/choir uniforms:

9. Realizing that a college campus is maybe not the best atmosphere to finish your latest composition:

10. Hearing "Oh, you sing opera? I LOVE Phantom of the Opera!" for the hundredth time:

11. When people think finals week is a breeze for you.

12. When you're drowning in the stress that comes with 18+ credits (and not to mention all those 0 credit classes) and people ask you how you are:

13. When it all comes down to it, though, you know that at the end of the day, music is your passion:

Because you need it in your life.

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6. holds arm against your arm Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. holds pale arm against another pale arm Aw, at least you're darker than her!

10. adjusts selfie lighting to their face Oops, where'd you go??

11. after working out Your face is SO red!

12. wears white Look! You're all one color!