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We are greatful for all the stories that folks have shared with us. By sharing these stories with you, we hope to inspire you to contribute your own story for others to read and be inspired. You can share your story by clicking the Contact Us link above.
March 3, 2011
Kristen
I came across your website today by chance telling a co-worker about this song.... 8 years ago
I met my husband when I moved for college, he told me about this song. When I got the chance to listen to
it, he told me that he had something to do with it.
I didn't necessarily believe him at the time, but over the
years and getting to know him I have no doubt that it is nothing but the truth. He never would give me a lot
of details, but reading your intro, I knew right away.
That old 70's Ford and what was said, was how I knew. I
thought that it would be nice to let you know that he is still that same person, and we still stop to help
people that need it. He has such a kind heart and I feel privileged to love him.
"Jonnie always hoped that the guy who inspired "The Chain...", Joe Conley, would know who he is, because he never got Jonnie's name." ......Barbara Barnett
April 26, 2005
Jerrel Fielder
Written by Jerrel while he and Michelle Granieri were on their way home from adopting their beautiful baby girl, Anna.
Touched down in the land of ice
Sure our reward is greater than any price
The landscape so barren and strange
From 30,000 feet in an ancient airplane
We're shuttled right away to the baby house
Our hearts beating in our throats while our mouths espouse
"Any healthy baby will complete our dream
We know we'll know Anna as soon as she's seen"
For 14 days our souls intertwine
The bond is made, forever to bind
None of us will ever be the same
Our proudest moment is to give her our name
Three things now from life I need:
One to raise my boys, their integrity to heed
Two to help Anna live the American Dream
Three to never abandon the Kazakhstan team
They loved Anna before we knew she existed
Cared for, and nurtured, and treated no different
We are simply too blessed to let this debt fade away
The Chain of Love got another link today.
Oct. 3, 2000
"Mrs. Moody's Chain of Love"
Dear Jonnie,
My husband John and I have been listening to your song, The Chain of Love all summer. It has been a very popular around here. One of my teaching partners, Judy Moody, has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. She is my age, 41 and is very sweet, pretty and popular with all the other teachers and students. The school has adopted the song as its theme song for the year. We sell strips of colored paper on which the purchasers write encouraging words to Judy and link them together in a chain on the wall leading from her classroom around the school. We call it "Mrs. Moody's Chain of Love." The song will be playing on the intercom during homeroom after a moment of silence. In three days, we have several thousand links. The first middle-school hall is nearly covered. All proceeds from the sale of the chains will go to pay for Judy's experimental treatment in Atlanta at Emory or Crawford Long Hospitals. This effort has been the warmest thing that has happened at the school in the thirteen years that I have been there. The kids are singing the song and they do know all of the words.I told the kids and other teachers that I would contact you and let you know what your song means to us. Judy cried today when I told her that I had contacted you and that you had replied. Thank you for giving us the perfect message and theme to help Judy get well.
Love,
Melanie Goss
March 18, 2000
Lindsay Henderson
Hi Jonnie,
My name is Lindsay Henderson. I am a 12 year old that lives in Joplin, Missouri. I saw the e-mail you posed on Clay Walker's website. I think it is awesome that you wrote the song The Chain of Love. I just love it. Every time it is on CMT, I just have to sit and watch the WHOLE thing. Clay Walker is a wonderful person to sing this type of song. I also just really like the ending. It's a wonderful song and I'd really appreciate it if you would send me a copy of the lyrics to the song, since you are the person who wrote it. Send them soon.Thanks,
Lindsay
April 8, 2000
Michelle Strickland
To: Jonnie Barnett and Rory Lee
I just want you to know that this is a very powerful song to have affected a 12 year old child the way that it has affected my daughter. I'm not sure if you have received the update of my daughter's story from the CRAZY4CLAY GANG. My daughter had saved up $72.00 which she donated to a family whose 2 year old son had a rare form of cancer that required him to have blood transfusions to replace the palettes in his blood. Though not a lot of money, my daughter donated the $72.00 anonymously to help fund the operation that he needed. It prolonged his life and brought him a little comfort. He plays in God's playground now.In Memory of Luke Rollins "Don't Let the Chain of Love End With You"
We wish you success on such an awesome -powerful song and a song that has changed lives.
Sincerely,
Michelle and Kira Strickland
August 2000
Josie Watts
Oh my gosh, I can't believe I'm actually e-mailing you!!!!! First heard "The Chain of Love" when a friend at work read it to me, it made me cry, it made me realize that life should really be that way, thank you for those beautiful words!!!!! Now, when I hear the song and/or see the video, I get what my kids call chicken skin (goose bumps) God gave you a talent and I'm so glad you've put it to such use, once again Thank you for what now is a beautiful, very meaningful song. Hope you don't mind if I share your story to my friend who introduced me to the poem. I also want you to know since I heard the poem I have looked at life and the things I do in a whole new way-why I am more eager to help someone, don't get me wrong, I have always tried to do the right thing, but at times I wouldn't and say. "Well who ever does anything for me" well, this Christmas my husband and I were a little worried about paying all the bills and getting 3 kids presents. One night out of the blue a red envelope with a card and $100 showed up with no name. I want to return the favor. Now I know how.
Thanks,
Kathy Herzfeld
Terri Nelson
Jonnie Barnett,
I read your story in Chicken Soup for the Country Soul. It brought tears to my eye and goose pimples on my arms.
I had someone do something wonderful for me once. They donated their heart so I could live. It's been eleven years now.
I am grateful for every day I'm alive - being on disability since I was twenty-eight, however, has been a struggle. I know a few in my support group in the same boat. So, I published a cookbook of very good, very easy recipes which sells for eight dollars cash. I am going to make it upwards and I'm taking a few people like myself with me.
When gift giving comes, could you please keep my cookbook in mind.
Thank you so much!
Terri