The other day, I was writing a southernliving.com story about Southerners and funerals, and it gave me an excuse to look through some of the old hymnals and quartet books that used to anchor the song service on Harvest Day, our church's annual fall homecoming. Reading those old songs made me remember so many voices: our friend Sandra's soprano harmonizing with my mother's alto; Jenny Glenn's beautiful descant to "He Keeps Me Singing"'; Mr. H.F. Sewell's voice, filled with emotion, as he sang words he felt down deep in his soul and led the choir and congregation.
Sometimes I think we don't realize just how connected we are to each other in the moment. It's only when we look back that we see it—only in retrospect that we understand how much those bonds have meant to us and how they have shaped who we are.
Years ago, Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote a song called "The Family of God," which became one of their many gospel standards. I love the line, "When one has a heartache, we all share the tears and rejoice in each vict'ry of this family so dear." What a sharp contrast to just about everything we see on TV or read on the internet.We're not meant to be at each other's throats. We're meant to treat each other like family.
A prayer this morning: May we all find the bonds of love, friendship, and support that will shield us during our personal storms and celebrate with us when the sun breaks through.
[Image by Joy Zaehringer @ Freerangestock.com]
I remember those days. Good memories. We were like one big family.
Posted by: Jenny Rowe | October 23, 2016 at 05:56 AM
These are great memories. Wish I could be there today.
Posted by: Sandra | October 23, 2016 at 08:22 AM
I miss hearing you and Nannette sing together! Hugs!
Posted by: Valerie | November 01, 2016 at 04:56 AM
Well, at least we finally got to visit last week:) Thank y'all for being there!
Posted by: Valerie | November 01, 2016 at 04:57 AM