**Update**
Thanks to everyone who took the time to enter. We’ve had an overwhelming amount of repsonses & can’t thank you guys enough for your support & taking the time to share from the heart. We will DEFINITELY be doing more contests in the future! We randomly chose two winners! You should have received an e-mail from us! Congrats to Jean & Shirley Barrow!
We want to hear from you! There’s no better way to get people involved than have a contest!! This isn’t a contest with a huge lavish prize, just a little encouragement to promote some interaction on the site!
Here’s what you do to enter:
*Post below about a country music song that has touched your heart, or maybe even changed your life. Your reply can be as long or as short as you need! Be sure to mention the artist & song title! Don’t forget to include your e-mail address so we can notify you if you are the winner!
*After you’ve posted Tweet the following, “I just shared a country music song that has touched my heart & you should too on @CntryMusicCares & you might win!”
*Once you’ve completed both you’re entered to win!! This contest will run through midnight (central) Sunday, November 22, 2009. We’ll randomly choose 2 winners! Check back Monday morning to see if you’re one of them! 2 caring participants will receive a copy of the Kohl’s “Christmas in the Country” CD that supports Kohl’s Cares for Kids!
The Site Song – “I Was Here” by Lady Antebellum
We feel that a song that represents our site & has inspired us from the beginning is Lady Antebellum’s, “I Was Here.” There are so many powerful lyrics throughout the song. One of our favorite parts is, “I will prove you wrong, If you think I’m all talk, You’re in for a shock ‘cause this dreams too strong…” Sometimes in life your dreams seem too big to ever accomplish, but we’ve believed in this site & our vision from the beginning & had faith that others would support our dreams as well. Country Music Cares has already surpassed what we thought was possible & that’s thanks to you guys! All of you country music fans who have huge hearts for those in need & embrace your favorite artists in their efforts to make a change for the better!
Jennifer’s Song – “Change” by Carrie Underwood
* This is a brand new track on Carrie’s latest album, “Play On.” If you haven’t given this song a listen you definitely should! I feel that in life no matter how amazing the cause, or how pure your intentions there will always be those who don’t believe in your or your cause. In this song the lyrics state, “Don’t listen to them when they say, ‘You’re just a fool, just a fool to believe you can change the world.’” It also goes on to remind us that small things can make a difference & love IS important. If you believe you can make a difference you aren’t a fool! Sitting & doing nothing won’t change the world, but turning your good intensions into actions can!
Amanda’s Song – “No” by Brad Paisley
*Amanda’s going to finish hers when she’s better. She’s sick today! 
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*Note – We have our spam filter turned on so comments may not appear immediately, but be assured that we’re checking & approving every chance we get! If you have any questions e-mail us: countrymusiccares@hotmail.com
Hurry Home, by Jason Michael Carroll.
My favorite thing about the song is the message it sends – just call home – you family just wants to hear from you and have you come home.
I really like the way the video portrays that, and that Jason has added the message at the end for the 1800runaway hotline.
“The Strong One” by Clint Black
This came out right after I had to leave my husband while I was pregnant with our child. Almost 3 years later and he’s not in the picture at all and I have the most amazing, beautiful daughter anyone could ever ask for!!! <3
the song that touched my heart the most was..When I get Where im Going..by Brad Paisley because the one verse about walking with my granddaddy is exactly what i wanna do as soon as i get the to pearly gates…i lost my grandfather in 1997 but he saved my life in 1992 and i would give anything for one more day with him..thats why i chose the song i did.
“Sara Beth” by Rascal Flatts
The first time I heard it, I didn’t listen to close and just thought…nice song. Then one night, as I drove home from work late, I heard it again. This time I listened to the words…..before I got home, I was in tears! I felt so overwhelmed by that act of love that I found a charity for cancer patients and donated a substantial chunk of change. To think that a young man had that kind of heart and loved Sara Beth that much….it was magical.
I continue to contribute where I can to help defeat cancer since that song touched my heart.
“Isn’t That Everything” by Danielle Peck
There are times that I think “if I only had that…”. This song reminds me that “it’s only the simple things I believe that matter most in life” and “all that I have is ALL I need” It’s talking about having friends that love you and the love of Jesus. What more do we need? It’s not money that matters… as long as we have a roof over our head and food on the table! We should just be thankful for the little things in life. Don’t worry about what we don’t have. Thanksgiving is coming up and we all say what we are thankful for, but shouldn’t we ALWAYS give thanks?
This song brings tears to my eyes just about every time I hear it. It really is the simple things in life that we SHOULD satisfy us.
Thanks Danielle for writing this song! It means more to me than you will ever know! Love you!
Where Angels Hang Around by James Otto
I have two songs that have changed my life, but the latest one is “Do I” by Luke Bryan the words to this song have made me realize that my relationship with my husband really needed to come to an end I never thought I would be strong enough to walk away from 30 years of marriage, but I did it has been the hardest month in my life.. The words “Do I have your Love am I still enough” the answer to that for me to him was no, and has been for about 3 years I was just going with the flow I am so thankful to Mr. Bryan for singing this song is was a big wake up call for me, and now I want to thank you for letting me get it off my chest it feels so good to put this on here!! Also I am going to see Mr. Bryan in concert on 11/18 I want to hear him sing this live I know I will be in tears through the whole song don’t know how I am going to make the 3 hour drive back home!!!
temoprary home by carrie underwood. this song descripes my life. i feel like i am not home. that i am taking babysteps to get were i need to be. i feel like i have a mission in my life and i know what it is but were i’m at now is helping me get their. this song has helped me relize it. this song makes me cry. it really touches me. i just love it so much!!! i’m so glade that carrie recorded this song!!! it has helped me in so many ways. it’s helping me relize that this move coming up soon is just a tempoary home to were i need to go. and that i am gonna be one step closer to were i need to be!
sorry about the double post u can delete the otehr one. this is the one i want to be entered in the contest. not the other one.
“There You’ll Be”, by Faith Hill. This song came out not too long before my Grandmother’s passing. It helped a young ten year old girl remember that no matter what, her grandmother will always be there.
Seven years later, I am almost done with high school and I know this still because of this song. I will carry this song in my heart forever as a reminder that all the women in my family are warriors. Most of all, my Grandmother, who fought breast cancer for 26 years. Of anyone that I admire most, it’s her for the way she fought, and for the fact that she is still here.
Thanks to “There You’ll Be”, I will remember that.
Dancing in Circles by Love and Theft
I love this song because I feel it easily relates to life. Not just mine, but it can relate to life in general. In the song it says, “why do we come so close to loving eachother to go dancing in circles again.” I feel this has great symbolism in it. We are human, and we have imperfections that we must accept. It seems that we always come so close to loving perfectly or as perfectly as we can as humans, but there is always something we do to mess up. Even on a more faith based aspect, we come so close to loving God and living as he calls us to live, but we do fall to temtation some times and we do sin. That’s not to say we should give up, but to try harder next time to not go dancing in that same circle we’ve been in before. I feel this is actually a good mix of country and christian music and it is one of my favorite songs from either genre of music.
Anyway – Martina McBride
I believe that Martina’s song “Anyway” is one country song that has touched my heart so far in life. The lyrics are positive and uplifting. The song is about having faith and being joyful through the hard times. We should live life to the fullest; regardless of heartaches, disappointments, and failures. My favorite lyric in the song is “You can chase a dream that seems so out of reach and you know it might not ever come your way. Dream it anyway”. I relate to that lyric because I have no idea where I am going in life. I have dreams that might not happen but I still dream, and tell myself everyday that maybe my dream will come true someday.
Song That Tounched Me The Most Is: Those I’ve Loved Along The Way~Eric Church
The reason is I’ve had a diffacult life and have been afraid to leat anyone close to me because when I show them I care I lose them. This song helps me to learn that it’s okay that I lost these friends it only made me a stronger person. I am going threw a very diffacult time in my life right now. A Those I’ve Loved Along The Way strongly holds me together from doing something stupid. Because I’ve met Eric I’ve traveled for him and met many wonderful friends who if those friends I would not have if not for Eric that text me twitter me Myspcae or facebook or yahoo me daily. I’d be nothing but an exsistance. This song proves it’s okay to have loved and lost someone but their is always going to be those who have been waiting to meet and help you threw all struggles.
If Tomorrow Never Comes by Garth Brooks is the song that changed my life. I awoke one morning a few years ago and my house was on fire. I tried to get my Mom out but could not!
I never got to tell her I loved Her that day! So make sure you tell the people closest to you just how you feel EVERYDAY is very important! I do that now and try to make sure I never leave anyone mad or me or at a disagreement! Tomorrow may never come!
A song that has touched my heart is Love Lives On by Mallary Hope! The entire song is very similar to what my cousin just went through last March (2008) Her husband passed away, and it was very difficult for her to survive it. The only reason she made it through was her daughter and the dog that was her husbands. She didn’t believe it was true, she thought that at any time he would walk back through the door and tell her it was all a very bad joke! And at the end of the song it says “and someday she’s going to ask me what kind of man you were i’ll tell her all the ways i loved you and all of you i see in her” and that is what she feels like, because her daughter is young, and has already said she doesn’t remember all about him, and she looks 100% like her dad! I cry everytime I hear the song!
Jason Michael Carroll “Alyssa Lies”
This song makes you see that kids take up for people who abuse them. Because that’s the only form of love they know. And other children know that something is wrong but don’t know how to do anything about it. Hopefully it tells parents to talk with their children. Tell them if they know of something bad happening to them, a friend or classmate tell someone who will help. We have used this song as a vehicle to talk to friends of our children.
Love Your Kids
Caitlin & Will’s song “Address in the Stars” really touched my heart… It actually released some of the pain that is still being felt so many decades after the loss of our youngest sister and how this loss has carried on to her children and what they must go through when they feel the need to communicate with their mother as they mature and have children of their own.
I LOVE country music and have experienced many songs that have touched my heart. One song that has hit home and has deeply touched my heart forever. When I was sixteen and a sophomore in high school, I lost a friend to Leukimia. At her funeral, which she had planned all by herself, I heard “Who You’d Be Today” by Kenny Chesney. Now, at 21, every time I hear Kenny’s song I always remember who Camarae was.
Jesus, Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood – It has been a very good reminder to let the Lord Jesus be my “driver” at ALL times, not just in bad times. Also when I’ve taken the wrong road He is there to take over & bring me back to where I need to be.
It’s so hard just to pick one song that has changed my life, but I have narrowed it down to two songs that are very near and dear to my heart:
“Forever and Ever, Amen” – Randy Travis
“One More Day” – Diamond Rio
These songs mean so much to me!
“Forever and Ever, Amen” was my Dad’s favourite song. The lines “They say time takes it’s toll on a body, makes the young girl’s brown hair turn grey but honey, I don’t care, I ain’t in love with your hair and if it all fell out well I’d love you anyway” was exactly what we both did when my mom was diagnosed with cancer in 1996.
Unfortunately, I lost my mom in 1997, and my dad in 2008. Each day I want “One More Day” with them, but I know how it would end, wishing one more day with them!
Jimmy Wayne “I Love You This Much”
When I heard that song for the first time I was really touched. My father left when I was born and I never heard him say he loved me. I haven’t seen him that much or know anything about him. A few years ago I joined my church and the members are like my real family and I know I have a heavenly father that does love me and has been watching out for me. When I listen to that song, its like it was written for me. It reminds me of everything I’ve been though and reminds me how I’ve been blessed.
I actually have 2 songs. The first being “Tough” by Craig Morgan and the second being “Stand Back Up” by Sugarland.
The first song really touched me because it was released about the same time my mother was diagnosed with Stage III Breast Cancer. It was a week before my senior year of college was about to start and I had just returned home from a 3 month internship Georgia. I remember sitting in the living room with my whole family (which was odd because it was in the middle of the afternoon) and my dad pointed at the TV and it was an advertisement for an ABC special about Robin Roberts because she had just been diagnosed. In that 30 second advertisement my world came crashing down around me. My mom…my dearest and best friend had just been diagnosed with the same thing that killed her mother when I was just an infant. I knew my mother was a strong person…she had to be to raise me and my brother. Over the next few weeks whenever this song came on, as my family was preparing my mother to begin her first round of chemo, it kind of became my song. This song gave me hope, because I knew that could be my mom I knew she was going to be a fighter. As her 6 rounds of chemo wore on her body she still battled…she knew that she had to be well every Friday night for my brother’s HS football games. This song was our song.
The next song “Stand Back Up” was a song that I absolutely loved!! I had Sugarland’s album and would drive around with it in my CD player cranked up belting out all the songs. But in April 2008, still my senior year, this song took on a whole new meaning. Every April my communtiy has the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, this year because my Mom had been diagnosed she got to wear the pink survivor shirts and walk in the survivor walk…well because of traffic she didn’t quite make the walk but we were in the venue when the survivor walk began and this song came drifting out of the speakers. I knew this song and instantly broke into tears of joy and tears of sadness, not only was my mom surviving and fighting her cancer but so were all these other women. During chemo my mother would be so sick she couldn’t eat and couldn’t drink but here she was just 2 months after finishing her chemo about to do the Race. When these lyrics were sung, “I’ve been beaten up and bruised, I’ve been kicked right off my shoes, Been down on my knees more times than youd believe, When the darkness tries to get me, Theres a light that just wont let me, It might take my pride, and my tears may fill my eyes, But I’ll stand back up,’ this song became her song. Not only did country music help me get through the toughest time I’ve ever had in my 23 years but it also helped me see the triumph in the tragedy.
My mom was “Tough” and she was able to “Stand Back Up” because today 2 years after being diagnosed she has been cancer free for 1.5 years and I’ve never seen her stronger. Country music helps us celebrate life and get through the difficult times.
“Favorite Flowers” by Luke Bryan
“Hey Jordan” by Dierks Bentley. You have probably never heard of this song but you can look it up on youtube. He sang this song at his fanclub party last year and he blew me away. It is a song about his best friend growing up that passed away last year. I could really relate to the song because I lost my Dad back in 2005 and the song really hit a nerve. It was so beautiful and heartfelt. I had tears in my eyes as I stood in that room and listened to him sing that song. I only hope that he records it one day and puts it on a CD so everyone can hear that song. I think it can really help some people in the healing process. It is a truly beautiful song and it the first song I thought of when I read about this contest. It is truly awesome!
Allison Kraus’ – When You Say Nothing At All
This song (I know it wasn’t) must have been written for me and my husband. It was the song we danced to at our wedding. The very first time we went out on a date I knew he was the one for me and I for him. Our First date was the long weekend in May and we were engaged July and married September all the same year. Three and one half months and I knew he was my soul mate. Fourteen years later, well the song means the same to me know as it did then…memories…love…and laughter….
Rascal Flatts – Why
It is so beautiful. I cry everytime I hear it. Rascal Flatts always know how to make me cry their songs are amazing! Love them!
The Closest I’ve Ever Been by Keith Anderson helped renew my faith in God and people. I’ve been struggling with my faith since my nephew died in 2003.I turned my back on God and all I know to be true during that period after his death. It was over a year before I would set foot inside any church or even pray. Hearing that song made me realize that it wasn’t God’s fault or mine or his wife’s. That song reminded me that God is always there looking out for us in ways we don’t understand. It helped me open my eyes to all that He has done for me and continues to do for me and mine to this day. Thank you, Keith for writing such an inspiring song and Thank you, God, for giving us Keith Anderson, one of the many blessings you give each and every day.
The Dance by Garth Brooks and Don’t Wanna Wish I Had by James Otto. I lost my husband to cancer after 4 years of fighting the battle. Like the song says, I would do it all again even though I know how it ends. James Otto’s song Don’t Wanna Wish I Had, has inspired me to carry on and do all those things that we dream about doing. He did not record the song, but I have heard him sing it on a demo recording. It is on iTunes recorded by another artist.
“The Baby” from Blake Shelton… I have led a life of not being home a lot. I’ve been living a lot of places, doing what I love… and there are times I haven’t been able to get home for the holidays or special events. Being raised by a single mom, when he gets to the part about “mom really needin’ him”… I well up with tears every time. I love my mom.
The song that really has touched my heart is But for the Grace of God by Keith Urban. That song came out when I was going through such a hard time in my life. It really helped me through it all and makes me stop and think about things in my life when I hear it.
The song that changed my life is “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe (also Wynonna). It was out right before my mom passed away almost 7 years ago and it helped to know that she was in an awesome place with Jesus and that even if she could come back she wouldn’t because Heaven is so awesome and I have the blessed assurance that I will see her and my dad and all the loved ones who have gone on before me again someday.
Break My Heart by Keith Anderson helped me get over the breakup between me and my girlfriend of two 1/2 years. I thought we would get married, but there was too much jealousy between us. Anderson wrote the perfect get over it get on with your life song in this one. The song fit me perfectly. My buddies all said it wouldn’t work and they did take me to Vegas when we split! YEEHAW!
“I Keep On Loving You” by Reba McEntire. This song is my husband’s & my anthem. It describes our relationship perfectly. The song says, “Lord knows we’ve had our share of fights Our sleepless nights, our ups and downs
We’ve had plenty and then some of baby I’m gones and turnarounds” & “That’s why I keep on lovin’ you, I keep on lovin’ you Through the baby don’t leave mes And never will agains
And I promise tos
I keep on lovin’ you, keep on lovin’ you
Through the I take it backs, I didn’t mean it like thats
I’d never hurt yous, oh, I keep on lovin’ you” Just like in the song my husband & I have had our share of fights & sleepless nights. We’ve also made all the promises the song says too but even after everything we’ve been through we keep on loving eachother. Just like the song says.
”If I Had Only Known” by Reba McEntire. It has touched my heart because as sweet as her voice can it really has soothin me. It reminds me of my uncle when he had passed away I never did get to say I’m sorry to any of the bad things I said to him. & if I had only known that he was going to die I wouldve said I’m sorry & I love you & I wouldve kept him out for hours the day before he died. This song truly touches my heart & makes me cry every time. He died at age 25 so young, by a bullet
I love him so very much. If only I could get the chance to see him again and tell him that 
“So Small” by Carrie Underwood has definately touched my life and heart the most. The message is very clear in the song that we all sometimes find ourselves worrying about the little things, when there are much more important things going on in the world. And love is the strongest thing that holds us all together.
I have to agree with Sandra. “Hey Jordan” by Dierks Bentley. Only 2 other songs have put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes like Dierks did when he sang HJ at his Last Call Ball fan club party in June 2009, Both the other songs are also by Dierks (Gonna Get There Someday and Long Trip Alone).
I posted him singing Hey Jordan on dbcongress.com and YouTube. Jordan’s family members saw it and posted comments thanking me and told me Dierks sang it at Jordan’s funeral. I hope and pray he records that song on his next album. Absolutely his most astounding, heartfelt and personal work of his to date! All the world deserves to hear Dierks singing this masterpiece for all eternity.
“Jesus Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood. When this song came out and Carrie Underwood hit the scene, my entire life changed. This song gave me faith in God that I never had before. I went from being a rap loving person who didn’t believe in God, to a country music loving person with a lot more faith. Carrie Underwood has changed my life in many ways, but helping me find my faith is at the top of the list!
“Do I” by Luke Bryan and “Good to Go” and “Don’t Give Up on Me” by Jason Aldean. all 3 have touched me deeply in terms of my relationship with my husband and my life in general.
If I have to choose a song that has touch me or helped me in my life it would be Free and Easy by Dierks Bentley. I had been dyagnosed with Alopecia in 1995 and slipped into a deep depression because I felt like I was being completely erased of anything resembling myself. For ten years I could not seem to escape the depression and then my husband left me about 6 years ago and I heard Dierks Bentley’s song Free and Easy on the radio. For some reason it clicked with me and I decided that the words in the song where filled with wisdom and though I knew it was going to be long journey I decided to I wanted to live and live a life that I could be proud of. Having a non-existing self-esteem issue I began the long road of hard work to bring myself back to life by doing things I’d always wanted to try and do and found myself amazed that I could achieve them, always with me was that song, my new theme song and daily mantra. Although I’m not completely out of my shell I have come a long long way, even being able to smile and laugh at myself on most days. i don’t think I’d have come so far without the help of Dierks song, I believe that God made sure I heard it at the right time in my life in order to help me move forward. When I was dyagnosed with the Alopecia we tried every medical option available but with no resultes, now after having come so far and proudly having pulled myself out of a dark time, I have resently noticed that some facial hair has come in all because I was able to give myself the most precious gifts of hope and happpiness. At one time I was not able to talk about this without crying and retreating into myself and now not only can I talk about it but I will be doing an interview about it for a show on CMT Canada. Although I am not currently working and may still need a little work, I am now volunteering, taking horse riding lessons and guitar lessons, trying to design and learn to make my own lingerie and just learning to enjoy my life on a day to day basis which is all we can ever do. So I definately have to thank Dierks for the song that gave me the courage to live. I still listen to it just about every day and am now having to help my mother out of the same spot I used to be in. Without Free and Easy I really don’t think I’d have come as far I have as quickly. Although I think I would have found the right path eventually I really believe that God knew I needed to hear Dierks great song and played for me so I could find my way much sooner. Because I love his music so much and owe Dierks for helping me through tough times, I have become a Dierks Bentley dbcongress rep, devoting some time to getting his music to number one as I move forward to a new fase of my life and try everything I’ve always been to shy or afraid to try. I know that the song is not the most romantic or the saddest song that people usually choose for these things but it was a life saver for me and that I believe makes it just as important and deserving as any. Anyway I won’t bore you anymore and I thank you for listening to my story. Music is the universal language of the heart and can help to heal if you just let it flow through your heart and really listen to the words. God bless Dierks Bentley. Thank you again for listening.
The beauty of music is that a certain song can have so many different meanings to different people. There have been many country songs that have really touched me, but one song that really hit me the hardest and means a lot to me is ‘Stand Back Up’, by Sugarland. When I was a kid I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and ADHD. A lot of people know I have ADHD, but not Asperger’s. I’m not going to get into detail about what it is (you can look it up if you aren’t sure what it is), but it’s part of the autistic spectrum and it’s a high-functioning form of autism. Anyway, growing up, because I have Asperger’s Syndrome, I’ve had to literally learn how to interact with individuals and try not to be so socially awkward because while most “normal” people have it programmed in their brain how the world works and how you’re supposed to interact with others, it doesn’t come as easy to me. Some people might not ever guess I even have it, because I do seem to have a bunch of friends, but it’s because I have learned things over the years to help me, and I’ve come a long way with it. There have been so many times when I’m frustrated with the world and frustrated trying to make real friends who will understand me. Sometimes when people just don’t understand me, they seem to move on and not even try to understand me and give me a chance. I’ve got a lot better over the years learning how to cope with things that didn’t come easy to me like most people, but growing up I had trouble in school and trouble making friends and would question my mom, myself, and God, as to why I am like I am. Like I was cursed or something. I would get depressed. But I have learned that it’s more of a gift that I have than anything else. Asperger’s Syndrome and ADHD lets me think outside of the box. And because of that, I have a very creative mind when it comes to making videos, for instance. I’m in school studying video production, to edit videos professionally, and hoping to work in Nashville when I’m done school. It also allows me to pick up any instrument and know how to play it without any lessons, ever. It’s the two things I’m good at in life. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
The song gives me the confidence and courage to “stand back up” when others try to bring me down or I try to bring myself down. Anytime I’m having a bad day, I listen to this song and remind myself that even though I maybe be a little different, I AM here for a reason and I AM going to get far in life, no matter how frustrated I may get.
Better Believer-Dierks Bently
I love this song, and it makes me hope that some people look at this song and change their ways.
Dierks Bentley- Gonna get there someday- this song reminds me of my mom who passed away 8 years ago. I think of her and cry everytime I hear this song or even think about it.
“Second Chance” by Trisha Yearwood.
If you haven’t heard this song then find it and listen to it. The words will touch your heart! When love gives you a second chance you need to “Take it and Fly”!
Country music has always played a part in my life. From the days that you feel like you can take on the world to the days that you feel like the world is over. I have had the opportunity to face some things that I wouldn’t wish on anyone however the power of music seems to be what I needed. There are two songs that really changed my life.
The first song is “For Pete Sake” by Susie McEntire Luchsinger. This is the very first country song I heard and fell in love with. I wanted to hear more and every time it came on TV I would make everyone in the house stop and watch it. It wasn’t until years later that I realized the impact that song would have on my life.
Shortly after I saw the “For Pete Sake” video a friend told me it was from Reba McEntire and I wanted to learn more about this lady. I became a fan right way. A couple years later on December 14th, 1993 my life changed. That night my twin sister, my brother, and I went to see my older sister at her work. She worked at a Chuck-E-Cheese in Aurora, Colorado. That night there were four people killed and a 5th wounded within 15 minutes of us leaving. One of those people was my older sister’s best friend. With Sylvia, my world changed.
My father started working longer hours, my mother handle the media, my brother moved to Utah, and my two sisters turned to drugs and alcohol. I was heading down the same path as my sisters, until I truly read Reba’s book. I will never forget that day, my twin sister woke me up at 3 pm and told me about a party were we could get anything we wanted. She was trying to hurry me out the door but I didn’t want to do anything. I rolled over and on the floor was Reba’s book. I flipped open the page and it opened up straight to the chapter about the plane crash she had to face.
As I read how everything happened from the crash to how Reba moved on, I cried. That day I sent my sister off to the party by herself. I have never touch drugs or alcohol to remove pain from my life. No, life did not get easier for me for a few more years.
After the shooting, I became a huge Reba fan. I would read everything I could and talk about her often. It was so bad that people in the church even called me into the Bishop’s office because they were concerned I was praying to Reba. Whatever!
Five years after the shooting I married my high school sweetheart. It seemed like the perfect road for me. Well things are not always as they seem. After six months of marriage, my husband told me he was gay. The next day I moved out and had to face everyone who told me not to marry him. Not only that I had to face the fact that I wasn’t on the right path. See I have never been a super model and I do hold my values high, which for me means I usually don’t get attention from guys. So my divorce took a toll on me, both physical and mental.
I was ready to give up on everything and even started what I call the “Goodbye Letter.” As I tried to think what to say or even what I was going to do after the letter was done, Reba’s song “For Herself” came on the CD player. As I listened to those words, I realized that what I was doing was not right thing. I need to stand up for myself and what I needed.
Through all of these lessons, the one thing that has always pushed me forward is country music (yes mostly Susie and Reba’s music). See country music is there when you need a tear, shoulder, strength, or even a way to tell your story. Thank you for letting me share my story.
The song Long Trip Alone by Dierks Bentley is a song that has helped me through some very tough times, and still does. When that song first came out, my husband of 17 years had left me and my two daughters. I was lost, confused, angry, scared, all kinds of emotions hitting me all at once. I had so much trouble sleeping at night, worried about so many things. Doctors and friends suggested sleeping aides or pills, but I did not want to start that. My youngest daughter suggested one night that I try listening to some calming music as I fall asleep. She helped me download onto an MP3 player some of my favorite music. I had purchased the Long Trip Alone CD but hadn’t listened to it yet. I’ll never forget the first night I heard that song as I was laying in bed…. I can’t put into words how much that song helped calm me so I could fall asleep. I listened to it over and over again and I still listen to it now, and it always brings me back to God and helps to calm me. It forever changed my life and my outlook. It is a beautiful song, and one that really resonated with me and helped my through the worst time of my life.
Temporary Home by Carrie Underwood
It reminds me of that this place where I am right now, wont be like this forever. It will get better. I used to have no faith, I believed that it wouldnt get better and I would be stuck here. But the song moved me to tears when I heard it. It tells the story of my life I’m living right now.
“I’m Already There” by:Lonestar
This song has a very big place in my heart. My dad is in the military and I was only 6 when 9/11 happened. At the time I’m Already There had just been released. My dad was away for much of the years following 9/11 and I really found comfort in this song. Those were some of the hardest years of my life being in elementry school with a father over seas. Me and my dad are very close so it really affected me. This song helped me get through those days of my young life where all I wanted to do was cry. For years I could not listen to this song without crying and sheding a tear. About 3 years ago was the 1st time I was able to listen to it and able to sing along with joy and pride. This song will always have a very spical place in my heart and will always be with me when my dad is over seas. It means so much to me and really shows how I felt and how many others felt during the time right after 9/11 and still today.
Ready, Set, Don’t Go by Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus has touched my heart because I was going through a very hard time with my oldest boy at the time the song was released. He was having some issues with self cutting and depression for a few years and he had finally realized at the age of 17 that he needed help and had asked that I sign him into a hospital so he could get that help. It was the hardest thing but also at the same time the proudest thing I have ever done. That song helped to get through all of that and to know that my son was old enough and strong enough to “Go” and take care of what he needed to.
Country has been a huge part of my life since one song saved my life about 8 years ago. As a young child I became very depressed and reserved after I lost my best friend and grandmother. I spent about seven years of my life after that never smiling or crying, to tell the truth I don’t think I ever showed any emotion whatsoever. Since I was already depressed, my grandfather’s death (about five years after my grandmother’s) hit me hard. After this all I remember is running away from home and silently wanting to kill myself. I’m not really sure what my parent’s were thinking at this time but I do know now that they were trying their best in a terrible situation. After my grandfather died, I made the decision to go to catholic school where I was introduced to a loving God and a loving community of teachers. For years I had sat in church every Sunday and had gone to Bible school but I never truly understood who God and Jesus are. I had a hard time adjusting to the school and went two years without making any friends. Being depressed did not help the situation either. My parents were on my back all the time, wanting to know why I wasn’t making any friends. I had no explanation to give them so they screamed and I, yet again ran away from home. One of these conversations with my parents ended with my mother screaming to me that if someone has no friends then they are not loved. This was just before they were going out for the night to some function. So there I was a child crying my eyes out and thinking that I couldn’t be loved. To get to the point of the story, that night I was sitting in my room with a plastic bag over my head, to suffocate myself, when my computer which was off turned itself on and started going through the slideshow I had chosen for my screensaver. As the slideshow plays so does music. The song that started playing was “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw. The song started at the first chorus and the slideshow was only showing pictures of me and my cousin, who has also become my best friend over the years. When we were younger, we made a bucket list of all the things we wanted to do before we died and most are described right there in the chorus. This song along with the pictures helped remind me of all the things I have to live for and changed my whole outlook on life. I have changed so much since then and I have this song to thank for that and for my life. I am now a very outgoing person and cannot stop smiling. I still cry every time I hear this song, it has become the prayer of my life.
In response to this song saving my life, you can call me crazy but I also think it was an act of God. About a week later, my cousin was diagnosed with a brain tumor and I believe with all my heart that God needed me alive to help him get through such a tough time in his life.
The song that really touched me was “I Believe’ by Diamond Rio. I heard it shortly after my mom died. I had my husband and daughter listen to it and they agreed that a lot of things that were happening was because my mom was watching over me. I truly believe that I have seen ,felt ,and heard her since her passing.It’s like I can feel her beside me a times.
There Goes My Life by Kenny Chesney. I was anti-country up until about 3 years ago. My sister had an extra ticket for a KC show & asked if I wanted to go. I reluctantly agreed. She lent me some of her more recent KC CDs so I could at least recognize some songs at the show. When I heard that song (and The Good Stuff) I bawled my eyes out. No matter how many times I heard it for the first month, I cried like a baby. That was the beginning of this rocker chick going country