Netflix’s new documentary ‘The Mark Twain Prize’ captures on film, the esteemed Kennedy Center's ceremony, honoring, of all things, 'a comedian'. Each year the coveted prize is given to someone who’s entire body of work consists of one thing; making people laugh. The recipient this year was Dave Chappelle. At 46, he was the youngest comedian to ever receive the honor.
Mark Twain, known for his witty, southern twanged, humorous writing style, inspired generations upon generations with his books and pithy quotes. He was thee stand-up comedian of his day. Dave Chappelle is ours.
Here’s a theological question: Does God hardwire into the world, people to make us laugh? Are Dave Chappelle and Mark Twain gifts from God? This is what I’ve come up with so far: (By the way, this is being typed on my Android phone... so don’t take it too seriously)
Certain people are clearly and undeniably, born (hardwired) to do specific things. Whitney Houston was born to sing. Anything else would have been a waste. Shakespeare was born to write. Can you imagine if he went out and tried his hand at jousting? Einstein was born to think. Harriet Tubman was born to lead… and Dave Chappelle was born to tell jokes.
Here’s another question:
Why does God give this world people like Dave Chappelle or Mark Twain? Here are my thoughts: First of all, life is hard. If we couldn’t laugh about it, all we would do is cry or complain. A popular name for Jesus was the Suffering Servant. I wonder if Jesus had a Chappelle or Twain to keep his spirits up? I wonder if He was the comedian?
Next, the hardest truths about our society are best delivered in joke-form. “A Spoon Full of Sugar Makes the Medicine Go Down.” Topics such as racism, politics, and poverty are best left to the professionals; the comedians and artists. Twain wrote Huckleberry Finn, an in-the-moment account of the prejudices of the post-civil war south. Chappelle’s recent Netflix special reached tens of millions of households, educating them on ongoing prejudices of our modern America. The ideas of both men have reached the masses because they have been gifted by God to do so. They were hardwired with the ability to explain complex subjects in simple, compelling, silly ways.
Conclusion:
Around every corner is someone with a unique talent, given to them by God. That being the case, let's begin to treat everyone as sacred. Not just the preacher.. but the comedian as well. Their content is different for sure but each is saying something true. I know not all truth is equal. Certain things are more foundational and significant (like the Gospel). Some truths set our souls free and some truths set our feet free but as Thomas Aquinas put it, “God owns it all.”
Application:
Maybe you’re not a comedian but you can build a house. Maybe you’re not a musician but you love to cook. Recognize your talents and gifts, find your mission, thank God He made you that way, and serve those around you. Every person’s unique talents are given by God to bring sustenance to those around them. Here’s what we can learn from Chappelle and Twain, make it flavorful too.
Scripture and Prayer:
Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. -Colossians 4:6
Father, We thank you for Mark Twain. We thank You for Dave Chappelle. And we thank You for comedy. Give us an ability to find truth in the most unlikely places. We ask this in the name of Your most-hilarious Son, Jesus. Amen.
An Idea:
While trapped in our houses during this quarantine, we have the opportunity to drink-in a rich unending source of inspiration through the internet. Truth pouring in from all sides: Netflix, Spotify, and, YouTube. Every bit of content, having the fingerprints of God, because all of it was created out of thin air by one of His image bearers. The next time you are watching a stand-up special and you think God doesn't get the joke, remember, He created comedy. And if you listen extra hard... you might hear Him laughing right along with you.
(Disclaimer: of course you have to engage with meaningful content and some things are certainly irredeemable… but most of it is. Enjoy)
"Mark Twain Prize? ...That ain't no prestigious award!" ... "I was just asked to join the cast of Grown Ups 3 by the great Adam Sandler?" -Chris Rock
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