Ring the Bell

There are so many bells surrounding us … bicycle bells, church bells, school bells, alarm bells, doorbells, service bells, sleigh bells, and don’t forget about those cow bells! Each bell has a unique purpose and meaning. The American English dictionary defines the phrase “ring the bell” as reaching the pinnacle of success or happiness. For cancer patients, it symbolizes the end of treatment and the beginning of life; it’s a sign of triumph. When that bell rings, the staff and other patients stop what they’re doing and applaud, filling the room with hope and joy. The bell stands tall and proud in infusion centers throughout the world. Every cancer patient longs for the day when they get to ring it, and on Tuesday (12/13/22), I was blessed to be able to RING THE BELL!

A little over a year ago, my husband and I visited a church here in North Carolina. The sermon was on FREEDOM, and they invited everyone to come up and ring a giant liberty bell. One by one, we watched as people excitedly lined up to ring it. Honestly, we thought they were all a little bonkers. I remember jokingly asking Craig, “Do you want to go ring the bell?” His response was, “No thanks, I’m good." But now we’ve learned what a bell can represent. If we knew then what we know now, I believe Craig and I would have raced up to be first in line to ring it (and perhaps they would have thought WE were the ones who were bonkers)!

When I was first diagnosed with Ovarian cancer, fear overtook me. I spent some time in deep thought, wondering how many days I had left on this Earth. My prayers were for strength to remain positive and to put it all in God’s hands. I had two major surgeries in 7 months followed by chemotherapy, countless doctor appointments, along with some challenging side effects. The drugs they administered (Taxol and Carboplatin) are some of the most powerful drugs in the world. Thankfully, God protected me from some of the truly harsh and more permanent side effects that are common with this course of treatment. Even so, at times simply taking a shower was a major undertaking. But I pressed on! My husband Craig was right beside me every step of the way, and God was too! I knew that I’d be ringing that bell soon.

Through this, I have met some wonderful people and gained spiritual insight. Being kind to others is more important than ever before. My appreciation for life has been revived. I love Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV) "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." One thing is for sure … we cannot avoid pain in our lives; it’s a part of living. Even so, we must not be discouraged. We can trust God and His promises. His joy will come in the morning!

As I walked around the infusion room on my last day of treatment, I realized that some people in that room may never get to ring the bell. My late husband, Joe, and my father never got to see that day. I was sad at first, but then I thought … Joe and my father are both completely healed and have triumphed over the grave. For the TRUE BELL is Jesus Christ our Lord who gives us eternal life. I then imagined a bell in heaven, made of pure gold, with the most magnificent sound. A sound more beautiful than anything we’ve ever heard on Earth. This bell is not for cancer patients alone; it’s for all who enter the pearly gates for we all have our own share of trials in this life. Whatever it is we face, we will be ringing the bell of ULTIMATE victory in heaven one day. Oh, what a glorious day that will be for all of us!

John 16:33 (NKJV) “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

With Christmas approaching, I wanted to end this blog with the song, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” (the rendition by Casting Crowns). This song is based on the poem, “Christmas Bells” written by the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on Christmas day in 1863. It tells the story of hearing Christmas bells during the American Civil war when hate was strong. Longfellow also had much darkness and despair in his own life, yet the poem concludes that God is not dead and there will ultimately be peace on Earth and goodwill to men through Jesus Christ our Lord!

I pray you and yours have a blessed Christmas filled with the PEACE of the Lord that surpasses ALL understanding.

Ms. Lady Lake

"I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day"

I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play And mild and sweet their songs repeat Of peace on earth good will to men And the bells are ringing (Peace on Earth) Like a choir they're singing (Peace on Earth) In my heart I hear them Peace on earth, good will to men And in despair I bowed my head There is no peace on earth I said For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men But the bells are ringing (Peace on Earth) Like a choir singing (Peace on Earth) Does anybody hear them? Peace on earth, good will to men Then rang the bells more loud and deep God is not dead, nor doth He sleep (Peace on Earth, peace on Earth) The wrong shall fail, the right prevail With peace on earth, good will to men Then ringing singing on its way The world revolved from night to day A voice, a chime, a chant sublime Of peace on earth, good will to men And the bells they're ringing (Peace on Earth) Like a choir they're singing (Peace on Earth) And with our hearts we'll hear them Peace on earth, good will to men Do you hear the bells they're ringing? (Peace on Earth) The life the angels singing (Peace on Earth) Open up your heart and hear them (Peace on Earth) Peace on earth, good will to men Peace on earth, Peace on earth Peace on earth, Good will to men