Church Bells Ringing True
Church Bells by Carrie Underwood rings true for many
Someone sent me a link to Carrie Underwood’s Church Bells music video (below) when it came out. I watched a large crowd with an incredible response. Then I learned the lyrics and I watched the song climb the charts to number one. I wondered aloud whether so many people love a song about a woman killing her abuser because the story hit home in some way.
“Jenny slipped something in his Tennessee whiskey
No law man was ever gonna find
And how he died is still a mystery
But he hit a woman for the very last time”
I felt some connection too even though my story is not the same. No diamonds, not even an engagement ring. And I never dreamed our story would end like Jenny’s either. But there were moments I wondered how we’d survive.
Just listen to the church bells and it will be all right
“Fold your hands and close your eyes. Yeah, it’s all gonna be alright. Just listen to the church bells ringing, ringing.”
The church bells are symbolic in the song of course. Church is where you have weddings (verse 1) and funerals (verse 3), and where you can go for help (verse 2). But in the song, it didn’t seem like the church helped much. Else why would Jenny need to kill him in verse 3?
Haunting Church Bells
Still, verse 2 is probably where most of us have been sometime. “Sitting in the back pew praying…” Hurting privately. It’s not like we can stand up and tell everyone.
Why not?
Because they might say it’s no big deal. When others are hurting, some insist it’s just “all gonna be alright.” They assume you need to either try harder or accept the hardship. Whichever extreme, it’s somehow our fault either way. We’ve heard all the reasons a person can be blamed.
There’s something haunting about church bells or music just continuing when everyone thinks things are fine, but they’re not. “Fold your hands and close your eyes” can help for a while, but there’s still a mess to work through to work on healing.
Urgent news on the legal case
Last week I got a voicemail from our lawyer’s office. It was to tell me that if I cannot pay up the account again, the hearing will be postponed. This is the 2nd half of the hearing in June that I wrote about a couple of weeks ago.
The amount is over $6,000. I think there’s barely $600 in the Go Fund Me Legal Aid account right now. Every penny goes to legal expenses. The bookkeeper gave me until this week. We are doing everything we can. Please donate if you are able. And please share the Go Fund Me page link by email or social media. There are so many of us that it shouldn’t be impossible. Also, please pray for Roo. https://www.gofundme.com/save_kellyandroo
And if you’re hurting privately, don’t give up on finding someone to listen. Some things will not just be all right on their own.
Recommended reading
- After Fear and Failure, Freedom
- Chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis, Perspective, & the Church
- The Path of Mercy in Medicine: A Tale of Two Doctors
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Hi Kelly
I am so sorry for the emotional anf financial pain being placed on you.
I will share your GoFundme link and will try to donate when our budget allows.
I don’t know the extent of your legal issues however, I was wondering if it would be viable for you to shout out for a lawyer that may be willing to assist you on a pro bono basis. Family law is such a messy legal system that needs so much changed from the current system, even here in Australia.
Maybe have a chat with your Uncle to see what his thoughts are on this option.
Love and hugs to you and yours xxxx
Dear Kelly,
It’s so good to hear from you again. I am so very sorry your troubles continue. I am ready to contribute again within the next couple of weeks – I hope this will not be too late!! Hopefully all other RA’ers who have benefited from your website will hear your cry for help and respond just as you do for the RA community. Wishing you all the best.
I have sent out the GoFundMe link again, along with an urgent letter. I’m praying this will yield more donations. Lord have mercy! I seldom wish I were rich, but this time I do. I’d love to send you all the thousands of dollars you need, and more. But I can only do what I can – which isn’t enough, but will have to do for now.
Dear one, your are loved, and God Will provide!
Elizabeth