With eons of sermons stretching out before me, life looked grim. Occasionally, there was a bright spot. Sometimes the preacher told a joke, though they were rarely really funny. I truly enjoyed church music, especially if it was something lively, like “Onward Christian Soldiers.” I sung along enthusically, though lots of the words didn’t make sense. For the life of me, I couldn’t fathom why we sang about laundry, as in “Bringing in the Sheets (Sheaves).” There was also a Christmas carol about laundry. “While shepherds washed their socks by night (watched their flocks by night.) I thought it odd, but so much adults did seemed odd.
One special Sunday, God had a startling surprise in store for me. Mrs. Simmons, the pianist, brought her brother Eddie, a handsome young man, along to play the organ. His boogie-woogie style hymns were a vast improvement over sedate hymns. I could see some of the old ladies exchanging shocked looks, but I was entranced.
I was practically bouncing in the pew when suddenly he dropped to the floor in a seizure. Mrs. Simmons shrieked and rushed to his side. He rallied and they trooped out, along with the rest of her family. I was so jealous. The preacher made an anemic attempt to salvage the service, but his flock was clearly anxious to get out and enjoy a good gossip. I genuinely enjoyed church that day.
It can be a right crack up when we get the words to a song wrong and long drawn out boring sermons were a thing and maybe they still are but I hope not. I am sure back in the day priests were taught how to give a long drawn out boring sermon.
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Maybe they have a time slot to fill.
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I can’t stop giggling!
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I always had a hard time being good
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LOL–you have such a great heart—and your orneriness is fun. lol.
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It’s good for me you think so! I’m not changing, for sure!
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Good! I always use to tell the students, “Don’t change–except for the better, lol ;-)” But seriously, our differences is what makes the world go around! I’m so tickled I know you.
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I love bantering with you!
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ME TOO!!!
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BTW — I have just started reading your book – Just Women Getting By – Leaving a legacy of Strength…- it’s wonderful.
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I hope you enjoy it. I loved t
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I loved writing it.
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That comes through the writing. I still have quite a ways to go….will tell you more when I finish. I tend to read several books at the same time. ….
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I do that too! You must have ADD!
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The chapter about Neeley was my grandmother. I learned more about her life after I Published. Will update you after I finish.
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OK
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Please email me. Lbeth1950@hotmail.com
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There are many reasons for my liking you but your sentence ‘I’ve never been good at being good’ is one I can definitely relate to:)
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I love that you told me that. I’m still a naughty kid at heart!
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Oh yes…kid at heart is the key to living. I can tell from. your posts that you are also a kid at heart:). It keeps us young.
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Oh, I’m about five!
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Me to :)
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Oh, you naughty girl, Ibeth!!
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I’ve never been good at being good.
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My confusing image from church songs was, “Let us to his bosom fly.” What was a bosom fly?
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Good one! Sounds like some busty old lady would be flapping herself. That might liven up a service.
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