The sound of a basketball swishing through the hoop is like music to a shooter’s ear. For a comedian, it’s the sound of laughter. It’s the ultimate feedback, the confirmation that the audience “gets you” and enjoys what you’re doing. Growing up in a middle-class home, I craved acceptance and recognition, though I often felt lost in a large family and school.
Bullied and overlooked, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. But there was one thing that always helped: laughter. It could lift my spirits, no matter how bad I felt.
In high school, I began using humor to connect with others. Making people laugh became my way of standing out.
But as graduation approached, I had no clear direction for my future. I ended up in trade school and, during a difficult time at home, discovered Jesus and began to immerse myself in His Word. I was invited to speak in the school chapel, where I combined lessons about Christianity with humor, making people laugh and also feel loved.
After school, I was mentored by comedian Julie DeJohn, who helped me get my start in comedy.
I eventually made it to Hollywood, but my heart called me to ministry. I spent 20 years serving in the ministry field until a comedy opportunity opened up. This led to a career in “Christian comedy,” with a chance to speak at conferences and appear on TV.
But then, tragedy struck. An elbow to my throat during a basketball game shattered my voice box, leaving me unable to speak for over two years. I gave up on my dream.
Then, one night, while watching TV, my wife and I heard a prayer for someone with a broken Adam’s apple. I was miraculously healed the next day.
Now, I’m back on stage, spreading laughter and sharing how Jesus changed my life across 44 states and 4 countries. Who’s laughing now? God is good!
Jacqueline story Gordon Douglas PA
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