The Confounding Power of Joy

Rev. Dr. DeWayne L. Davis

This Week at Plymouth, August 30, 2024

“Discovering more joy does not save us from the inevitability of hardship and heartbreak . . . we may cry more easily, but we will laugh more easily too. Yet as we discover more joy, we can face suffering in a way that ennobles rather than embitters.”

—Archbishop Desmond Tutu

At a recent Presidential nominating convention, party officials and convention organizers were pleased with the display of joy from the candidates, delegates, and operatives. Joy was more than just the background of cheers, signs, and slogans to accompany the usual party and campaign business. Every speaker testified to the joyful posture of their nominee and the delight they felt in the possibilities for a better future. They rejoiced in the infectious expressions of hope, unity, and excitement and committed to maintaining that joyful countenance as a critical part of their campaign strategy. Even the Rev. Al Sharpton, leaning more into his role as clergy than political activist and commentator, quoted the Psalm in his speech, leading the audience in a call-and-response chant of “Joy comes in the morning,” eliciting a reaction of more joy.

But the emphasis on joy confounded the political press and pundits. The idea that a political party would be motivated by an unmeasurable, primarily inward feeling did not make much sense to them. One New York Times columnist stated in his article that “joy is not a strategy.” He wanted something more concrete, a sure-fire, familiar strategy that translates into votes. Ironically, political prognosticators have always noted the power of fear to inspire and suppress votes, often pointing out the effectiveness of negative campaigns in driving the vote. The fear of the other, of the unknown, or of being replaced has been recognized as the source of realignment. Why not joy? Can’t joy inspire action? If not a strategy, the intentional expression of delight and gladness in pursuing an inclusive campaign can attract others, encouraging them to participate.

Joy is confounding. When we look at the world and the human condition, joy is not the first thing that comes to mind. Our hearts have been broken by the scenes of death and destruction in the Middle East, especially of innocent people caught in the middle of nations and terrorists battling each other. We lament the poverty, inequality, and exploitation of the weakest people in our communities. But joy is not a denial of sadness, hardship, or horror. Joy is not a pretense that everything is okay and nothing is wrong. Joy does not mean that you will never have another negative thought. Instead, joy is about being mindful of the beauty, goodness, and possibilities of a better future; recognizing the love and connection with partners, friends, and family made possible when we have a shared vision for the future; being intentional about giving in to that which creates beloved community; and appreciating the good things that come to us unexpectedly. Oh, what joy!