Dear Chewbacca Momma

Dear Chewbacca Momma,

When I watched your video it only had 30,000 views. I watched it four times, and I cried laughing every single time.

I watched it over and over because I’m so tired of the Planet Earth lately. Here we’ve got cray-cray Donald Trump and bad-bad Hillary Clinton, vying for the top seat of the biggest baddest nuclear arsenal of all the everything there is, and I’m worn out from both of them. It feels like either the worst joke ever or the end of the world. And there you sat in your car, belly laughing.

I watched it over and over because everything feels so upside down lately. Right and wrong. Good and evil. Safety and danger. People don’t make sense to me any more, and it feels like I drag a thousand pound weight behind me too much. I look at folks square and ask, “What’s 2+2?” And they say, “15. If you disagree with me, you’re a heartless, hateful bigot.” But a joyful heart is good medicine, and Honey, you giggling like that was light in a dark place. Your levity made some kind of sense when an awful lot doesn’t these days.

I watched it over and over because I’ve felt ugly lately, and old, and bloated, and insecure. But I saw in your delight something my dad always said --- something that I always forget. You proved it, Chewbacca Momma. There’s nothing more beautiful in the face of a woman than a genuine smile. And ever since I watched you, I’ve been noticing how it’s true of women everywhere. That twinkle in the eyes. That readiness to find fun. The mischief. The secrets we have to tell.

I watched it over and over because you reminded me that there’s great joy to be found in simple things. You reminded me that I don’t need to be ashamed of the right kind of laughter. You didn't give us the cynical, cruel laughter of our day that makes people feel worthless and afraid, but the Lucille Ball sort of gigglefit that welcomes others into the joke. Wouldn’t it be grand if the glass gates of hell were shattered by the childlike laughter of the people of God? I’m not saying that’s what will happen, but you showed me how it might be a possibility.
Chewbacca Momma, thank you for taking the risk to give us all a dose of healing and hope. I don’t know if people will be mean to you online. There are some real monsters out there. (Insert Chewy roar.)

But Candace Payne you made my week this week. I needed what you brought. Thanks for opening the car door and letting a bunch of strangers hitch a ride.

Love, Becca