Dear Readers, Happy Fourth Day of Christmas to those who celebrate! Twenty years ago, I finally gave in and admitted to myself that I like country music. I still remember the moment of defeat: I was driving home from a chaplain internship at a hospital, about a twenty-minute drive, and couldn’t find anything I wanted to listen to on my Honda’s pre-set radio stations so was seeking stations manually. I found one with a country music song, and kept it there for that song, and then another, and then another; and finally made that country music station one of my pre-sets.
This is beautiful, Elizabeth. I loved reading it but feel your uncertainty, too, and how strangely disorienting it must be. I am also always glad to see what you are reading.
I love reading everything you write, Elizabeth. My son Phillip is way big into Country music, and Marcel always makes a point to get some other music streaming before he comes over and puts his own playlist on! Nevertheless, I agree... the words and messages are often compelling and true.
I think you've hit the nail on the head... simply living.... each and every day, not "living like youre dying." I would say you have indeed learned how to do that, and have much to teach the rest of us about that.
And I'm listening to the podcast right now! Dual ministry is a gift to the wider-church. Thanks!
As always, I love your writing - and your amazing candor. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Elizabeth! Don't tell anybody but (a) I also love the clarity of country music and (b) I, too, have used that song in a sermon! Mostly I love you and your understanding of having to switch gears and view points now. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
In the ‘90s I was really into country music, when there were lots of women singer-songwriters and the genre seemed to be opening up. Not so much any more though I’ll still listen to “folk” or other adjacent genres.
First, I LOVE country music and am delighted you finally saw the light. Second, I howled out loud after reading that reviewer’s comment. Yes, sometimes “unpreacher-like”, but astonishingly and beautifully authentic!
This is beautiful, Elizabeth. I loved reading it but feel your uncertainty, too, and how strangely disorienting it must be. I am also always glad to see what you are reading.
I like this post! You gave me a flash back! When I moved to college in NC, I never listened to country. However…I came to love it and still do!!
Prayers for you and your continued ability to live in the present!! 🙏 🙏 🙏
(Ginger from Manakin Episcopal)
I love reading everything you write, Elizabeth. My son Phillip is way big into Country music, and Marcel always makes a point to get some other music streaming before he comes over and puts his own playlist on! Nevertheless, I agree... the words and messages are often compelling and true.
I think you've hit the nail on the head... simply living.... each and every day, not "living like youre dying." I would say you have indeed learned how to do that, and have much to teach the rest of us about that.
And I'm listening to the podcast right now! Dual ministry is a gift to the wider-church. Thanks!
As always, I love your writing - and your amazing candor. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Elizabeth! Don't tell anybody but (a) I also love the clarity of country music and (b) I, too, have used that song in a sermon! Mostly I love you and your understanding of having to switch gears and view points now. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
I'm a bluegrass person myself. Banjo or bust!
Looking forward to listening to the Small Churches Big Impact episode, too.
In the ‘90s I was really into country music, when there were lots of women singer-songwriters and the genre seemed to be opening up. Not so much any more though I’ll still listen to “folk” or other adjacent genres.
Congratulations and blessings on NED!!!
First, I LOVE country music and am delighted you finally saw the light. Second, I howled out loud after reading that reviewer’s comment. Yes, sometimes “unpreacher-like”, but astonishingly and beautifully authentic!
Great news about the NED! Don't worry about that loose end feeling, the living will fill your time up soon enough <3 Best wishes for the new year.