July 20, 2026
Personal Reflections
Earlier this week, I did a little Christmas in July special article in “Getting in the Zone.” During that writing process, fond memories came to me of my days walking to the library and checking out as many Old Hollywood and 70s-90s films that I could get my hands on. Just as I described in that article, I would often not read the film descriptions, but would check out movies based on who was starring in it and what the cover looked like. This led me to some wonderful films as well as many accidental Christmas in July moments. One of those films was “The Preachers Wife.”
That film was still hanging around my psyche when my friend, Dr. Adam Jones posted his “yearly reminder” on his social media with the link to Whitney Houston’s “Joy to the World” music video and this caption:
“Your annual reminder that, if listening to Whitney Houston and the Georgia Mass Choir sing ‘Joy to the World’ does not get you HYPE, you should go check yourself into a hospital. #ChristmasInJuly.”
I love reading the comments sections fellow kindred spirits said “amen” and “so true, it heals the soul!”
Oh by the way, Dr. Jones will be featured in my column next week — stay tuned!
For my drive home that night, I decided to do something fun — I rolled down all the windows in my car, opened the sun roof, and blasted Whitney’s “Joy to the World”. It completely changed my perspective on the song!
We normally associate this song with Christmas and we should keep doing that, but then again…the lyrics are not innately winter-y nor are they Christmasy when compared to other carols like “O’ Christmas Tree.” Whitney’s version also has these musical nuances that make you think of other places in the world where it feels like summer all year long.
Feeling the nice cool breeze brush my face as I sang along at the top of my lungs felt so right. I could imagine this song being played at a summer fireworks show or really any occasion where intense joy and fun are tangible.
Maybe this part of what it looks like to keep the heart of Christmas in our hearts all year long! Why shouldn’t we allow ourselves to feel abundant joy, hope, and magic all year long?
Listening to the song again today, I realize that it also acts like a prayer. If you do not identify with the beliefs associated with Christianity, I invite you to replace words like “Lord,” “Savior,” and “King” with words like love, joy, hope, and peace. Click here to read lyrics.
Remember, there is power in speaking joy into a moment even when it is not present. By declaring it, we create it.
May the hopes and promises of a brighter future continue to inspire the work we do each day in pursuing justice, love, the arts, and all efforts that make the world a better place.
This Week in the Arts
Coming up this week, I will be publishing two pieces in my JOLT Column including:
Inclusivity makes fairytale dreams come true in Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre’s ‘Once Upon a Mattress’
Star Wuerdemann’s OlyPages to launch this September
I will be publishing these articles under “Rachel’s Choice”
Review: Rebecca and Alexander Howard Community Engagement presents ‘Read the Park’
Kendra Balm pens her own version of ‘Gift of the Magi’ for Olympia Little Theatre’s 2026-27 Season
To read my articles as they come out, I invite you to subscribe to the JOLT News and follow me on Instagram and Facebook, then invite a friend to do the same! :)
If you read a story that inspires you, I invite you to share it with others and help spread the word about the incredible things happening in the Thurston County Arts Community.
Other Fun Things This Week
Getting in ‘The Zone’: “The Brain Center at Whipples” Season 5, Episode 33. Watch episode here to prepare.
14 Questions for My Community: What advice would you give to someone about love and romance?
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