Years ago, I was talking to my older brother, Jimmy, on the phone. He was laughing and told me a story about how he had walked out to his car in a parking lot one day and discovered that his bouncy dashboard Jesus had earned him an irate note from a complete stranger. The person did NOT approve of his dashboard savior, and was obviously moved enough to dig a scrap of paper out of who knows where just to let him know. For some reason, this cracked us up!  

I couldn’t get the image out of my head. I ordered my own bouncy Jesus and named him Jumpin’ Jesus. He sits on my desk (but I move him around the house), and every once in a while, I give him a little tap to make me smile.

It’s such a happy little thing. It’s an automatic mood lifter for me. He reminds me to lighten up. Take a breath. Life shouldn’t be so serious all the time! Seriously! I believe that Jesus has a sense of humor. I’m sure of it. 

People regularly adorn their vehicles with all manner of religious items. Does it bring them comfort? Does it afford them a feeling of security? Does it remind them that they’re not alone? Does it lighten their mood to have Jesus riding shotgun? Is it so far-fetched to think that the presence of that little plastic, bouncy icon might actually save someone?  I don’t think so.

Jumpin’ Jesus became a song. I think it’s a happy one.