Smiles are Contagious!

Smiles are contagious! It's True!

Proverbs 15:13 tells us that, "A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit."

Did you know that emotions are contagious? It's True! In fact, there is even a name for it: "emotional contagion."

Have you ever been around a group of people when someone starts to laugh...and suddenly everyone is laughing? Or, in a group of people when someone starts to cry...and suddenly several others are crying? That's emotional contagion.

And just as a laugh...or a tear...is contagious, so is a smile!

Studies have shown that emotions are easily passed from one person to another, often without either party realizing it.

Don't believe me? Give it a try...SMILE at those you come into contact with tomorrow at church.

Make it a practice to see how many people you can spread the SMILE bug with!

Challenge your children to join in! Take them through the church and see just how many smiles you can spread!

In the 1960's the Smiley face was created to serve as a morale booster! A simple little yellow smiley face sticker that took the nation by storm! The yellow smiley face lapel pin became an iconic symbol of joy! Happy face stickers were placed on binders, bags, cars, and anything else that could be stickered. Smiley faces were spotted on shirts and other clothing as well.

Here's a little background that still rings true today!

Originally designed by Harvey Ball for the State Mutual Life Assurance Company, it aimed to promote positivity among employees during a time of social upheaval following events like JFK's assassination.

Cultural Impact

The smiley face quickly transcended its initial corporate purpose, becoming a symbol of happiness and optimism in American culture. It was widely adopted in various forms, representing goodwill across different contexts.

Commercial Success

The design led to the launch of the Smiley Company, which capitalized on its popularity through merchandise and licensing deals. This transformation from a simple morale campaign to a global icon illustrates its lasting impact on pop culture.

Who says a smile isn't contagious?

Is it time to bring the smiley face sticker and lapel pins back? I think so!

Share this post...and share a smile with others!

Have a blessed day...and remember to smile!