“Sometimes you just have to tell your heart what your head knows to be true about God.” – Amy Barnes
From engineering textbooks to Bible study guides, comedy stages to PTA meetings, Amy Barnes is living proof that God’s plans are bigger—and often funnier—than ours.
In this episode of K-LOVE's Positive People, Crystal Thornton sits down with Amy—stand-up comedian, national speaker, writer and mom of two—to talk faith, laughter, parenting and trusting God through life’s unexpected plot twists. Based in the Pacific Northwest and currently pursuing her Master of Divinity, Amy is redefining what it means to live a faithful, joyful life, even in the chaos.
(Listen to the full interview in the podcast below)
From engineering to laughter
Amy didn’t set out to be a comedian. She was knee-deep in engineering school when a friend nudged her into a stand-up comedy class. That first gig at Seattle’s Comedy Underground sparked something unexpected: a hobby that turned into a career, and eventually a calling.
“God was laying down the steps before I even realized I was walking in that direction.”
From Comedy Central to church sanctuaries, Amy delivers joy in every punchline—without compromising her faith.
Humor that heals
Whether making a room erupt in laughter or holding space for someone’s heartbreak, Amy believes comedy can be redeemed for good.
“Comedy can be mean these days. But what if we used it to build people up instead of tear them down?”
Her secret? Start with herself. Amy avoids putting others down and instead shares her own missteps as a mom, wife and believer.
“If you’re vulnerable, people will come with you. You don’t have to be offensive to be funny.”
Joy in the Pacific Northwest
Living in Tacoma, Washington, Amy knows the spiritual climate can be a challenge, but she also sees signs of revival.
“There are like 16 church plants in Tacoma right now. We’re not lost. We’ve been up here working!”
Through her weekly women’s Bible study, often attended by over 100 women, she’s watching faith bloom in unexpected places.
“We have preschoolers pointing to the church and saying, ‘God, Bible.’ That’s the faithfulness of God.”
Parenting with punchlines
As a mom to two teens (including one named Rocket!), Amy finds laughter essential to navigating the parenting journey.
“I go to the funny right away. It’s a pressure release.”
Even during her dance mom and swim meet seasons, she’s found grace in the grind.
“You don’t have to lay out your whole retirement for your kid to succeed. If God wants them somewhere, He’ll open the door.”
Second acts and seasons of waiting
With her oldest now in college, Amy is stepping into what she calls her “reinvention season" -- a moment many parents know well.
“Nobody told me about this second-half pressure! I thought we were done!”
Her advice for navigating transitions? Seek Godly counsel, stay rooted in Scripture, and avoid big decisions when you’re tired or hungry.
“Put some wise women around you. Don’t walk alone.”
Faith through foster care
Amy and her husband serve as advocates for foster youth and are active as CASA volunteers.
“We thought we might foster, but I travel every weekend. So instead, I found another way to help.”
Her challenge to others: “You don’t have to do it all. Just do something.”
“Start by asking, ‘What can I do?’ There’s always a way to help.”
Finding joy—even in pain
Some of Amy’s most powerful moments happen after the show—when someone shares how her comedy helped them through a diagnosis, loss or depression.
“Humor isn’t the joy itself—but it reminds us that joy still exists. That’s God’s gift to us.”
A final word of hope
For anyone feeling stuck, grieving or waiting for a breakthrough, Amy offers this encouragement:
“Know who God is. He is faithful. He is good. And He’s not going anywhere.”
Want more laughter, wisdom, and grace?
Catch Amy Barnes on stage or visit her at AmyIsFunny.com. Follow her @AmyBarnesComedy on social media.
And remember, whether you're navigating teen drivers, career changes or just trying to find joy in the chaos—God is present. He is working. And yes, He still wants you to laugh.
Share this with a friend who could use some joy today.