My Great Aunt the Movie Star
Aunt Thelma was not really a movie star. But when I was eight and heard her sing on the radio, I just knew she was! I grew to learn that Thelma was not famous, but she was lovely just the same. And her captivating voice filled my life for years to come.Church would not have been the same without her. With one main song to her repertoire, Thelma's hauntingly beautiful voice set the tone for the service. I don't know the origin of her song, but it went something like this:
- Dark clouds hover all around me
- Dark clouds hover all around me
- Dark clouds hover all around me
- Pray that I'll be able to stand.
- Pray, Saints. Pray that I'll be able
- Pray, Saints. Pray that I'll be able
- Pray, Saints. Pray that I'll be able
- Pray that I'll be able to stand.
This could go on for several minutes with, When I'm in the valley, Pray that I'll be able..., or When I see him coming, Pray that I'll be able..., or When I'm at the judgment, Pray that I'll be able.... Now intersperse those with several refrains of Dark Clouds hover all around me..., and I think you get the picture. The lyrics were depressing!Yet, couple Aunt Thelma's booming voice with a pair of guitars, a banjo, and a backup singer or two, and it was simply beautiful. Before the song was over, women were shouting in the aisles and folks were headed toward an altar of prayer. The preacher didn't always get to preach!What made Great Aunt Thelma sing this mournful tune? I can only surmise. Sometimes I thought people who reared families during the Great Depression never really left the depression in their minds.Thelma was not unpleasant to be around. Like her sister, my grandmother, she was a gracious woman. Last time I saw her, she was visiting my ailing grandmother. I wondered what my family will be like without these aged women, the glue that held us all together? That chapter is still unfolding. I pray that someday my nieces and grand-nieces (and someday granddaughters) will remember me so kindly as I remember Thelma and Mamaw.I'm afraid I've failed so far. But I do believe the saying, "as long as there is life, there is hope." God grant me the courage, strength and willingness to change, to become a godly example for generations to follow.
3 comments:
I think many times it is not the words of the song necessarily, but the heart from which it is sung. Your Aunt Thelma must have had a beautiful heart. I too want to be remembered with such fondness. Lord help us!
Oh, interesting! I didn't think of that song as depressing, more like the Psalms, where David is asking for strength. Of course, I wasn't there when your aunt sang it. =)
I guess the 'dark clouds hover all around me' part seemed depressing. But, your right! David said things like that, as well as Job and Jeremiah. Thanks for posting!
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