Book Review: Laughing in the Dark

Almost one month ago, I went with my friends to hear Chonda Pierce. Chonda is a Christian comedian who has shared her story in many different venues over the year. She is currently working on a project in LA where they will be putting her material on regular TV. She can make you laugh one minute and cry your eyes out the next.

While there, I was moved to pick up her book, Laughing in the Dark which recounts her breakdown and battle with depression.

I was reading along page to page thinking how cool it is that Chonda has overcome so much "junk" and that she's forward enough to share her story with others, when I was nailed between the eyes with a part that made me squirm. Really squirm.

Chonda is writing about seeing a psychiatrist to revisit her meds. She is literally in the middle of the entire diagnosis and treatment period when this happens. The doctor starts to ask her about her work schedule. Chonda tells him that she's off work right now, but mentions that she just finished an 85-city tour (in 8 months) with Women of Faith. And that she is helping care for her Mother who had just suffered a broken back. And that she is finishing up a book. And a DVD. And...and...and.

Chonda's question back to the doctor was: "Do you think I'm bipolar?" He went on to explain that she needed to strike balance especially with the "mania of her job and the reality of normal life." Balance.

Her counselor also addressed the need for balance. She told Chonda that part of her treatment is to spend about three hours a day doing nothing. Nothing. Nada. Not an email. Not a crossword puzzle. Not TV. Not cleaning. Not a phone call. Nothing.

Both the doctor and the counselor knew that Chonda needed to realize that her worth is not dependent who she is/what she does and/or the approval of those around her. I actually found myself squirming while I read this. Not that I think I am as busy as Chonda Pierce. I'm not. But I definitely wrestle with balance and those moments of sheer exhaustion. And honestly, sometimes I'm not sure I could go three minutes doing nothing--much less three hours!

I read on as Chonda peeled back the layers of her own life for her readers. I know she still struggles with the puzzle that is her life. But she also recognizes that God, himself, is the "master puzzler". And Chonda is choosing to trust him for every step she takes.

Whether you've ever dealt with depression or not, this book is a great read. Chonda's story is one of survival and victory. Hers is one of finding light in the darkness. It's one of healing. And hope. Even if you squirm while reading it...it's worth it!